The pundits and comedians love to joke about Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) as if it's some fake disease, created by pharmaceuticals and hypochondriacs. Even the name itself emotes images of children who can't sit still.
I am a Certified Nutritionist who's suffered from RLS for almost 30 years, mostly in silence. I was embarrassed that I could affect my health in every way except this one. I tried changing my diet, to the point of being even more boring than my standard healthy foods. I gave up coffee, chocolate, sugar, salt and most carbs, didn't help at all.
How could something as simple as Restless Leg Syndrome control my evenings and nights as if I was possessed?
I barely mentioned my nightly torture to anyone because of the many jokes and misunderstandings of this infuriating condition. The name itself is part of the problem, it simply doesn't mention the biggest and most dibilitating symptom; anxiety!
Those of you who suffer from RLS know what I'm talking about. Those who are fortunate enough to get through the night without being forced out of bed with overwhelming anxiety...know that the "restless leg" part is minor compared to the out of control anxiety that takes over and forces you to get up and walk around, stretch or exercise. This anxiety is similar to drinking 2-3 cups of coffee in a row. It has tremendous force and domination that will not go away until it's worked out, which can take hours.
So....I'd like to rename RLS. I'd like it to be called "Leg Affected Anxiety Disorder" or LAAD. There! Now that speaks of what's really going on. It's hardly "restless", it's more like "possessed".
In the early years of RLS, when I was pregnant with my first child, it was more like a restlessness. But as the years went by, it's not that polite anymore. Now it's just darn right rude, robbing me of my precious sleep and cuddle time with my husband. Sitting on the couch and enjoying a movie is impossible when the anxiety takes over without my permission. And I quit going to movies years ago because the RLS drove me out of the theater. I haven't attended all day workshops in years either. Workshop leaders really don't like it when you have to hop around at the back of the room like some possesses exercise junkie.
I have much to say on this subject, but for now I'd like some feedback from other RLS sufferers. Whadya think? Should we unofficially rename RLS as "Leg Affected Anxiety Disorder"?
Maybe you have some other names to suggest.
Look for future blog posts here on how I completey eradicated RLS or LAAD.
Stephanie Rolfe CNC
http://www.nutritionarticlesonline.com
