May 18 2010
Restless Leg Syndrome
Dear Robert,
I have been diagnosed with PD in late 2007 and I am frequently listening to your radioblog. I am writing because I have gotten rid of RLS [restless leg syndrome] and some others may be helped too by following a similar path.
I am following the 12 step program of John Coleman for symptom reduction and have weekly sessions in Joga, Boxing, Gym and have a daily walking routine. Improvements were very slow and after consulting a new neurologist in 2009, I started to take 3 times a day 3/4th of one Madopar Tablet (Levodopa+Benserazide 200mg/50mg). I started to feel a bit better but because of RLS problems I could not sleep and in spite of eating well, I did not gain my proper body weight.
In mid-September 2009, following the advice of my neurologist, I started taking 1/2 tablet Mornings and Mid-Day, and one tablet in the evening of 0.50mg tablets of Sifrol (Pramipexole hydrochloride) a day in addition to Madopar. Within a week the RLS disappeared and I started to get back some of my earlier strength and my appropriate body weight.
I am very happy, feel very positive. I can easily take care of myself and travel extensively, and returning from four weeks in Uzbekistan, I listened to your Stories from People on the Road to Recovery and the interview with John Gold.
I leave it up to you if you want to pass on my note and wish you more success with your great work
Sincerely
Urs Sieber
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About 5 years ago (before my PD diagnosis) my husband finally got me to stop eating sugar at night, having an instinctual feeling it would help with my lifelong restless legs (used to call them growing pains when I was young). That did it for me. No sugar after about 3 pm and I have no trouble with RLS, ever (sugar includes alcohol). Hope this helps someone.