Only getting 4 hours before feeling restless

Hey Gang,
Hope you all are well. I haven't been around here lately 'cause I've been so busy so it's nice to drop in.

This is so odd. When I first got on the hose, I slept like a baby. I didn't wanna get out of bed. Now, after about 4 hours into my sleep, I start getting a restless feeling and get out of bed 4 or 5 times before finally getting up. My covers are all a big mess each time I wake. I was diagnosed with PLMD on my sleep study last year, with the tech noting that CPAP made no difference. Also, I get restless legs in the evening, and either that's gotten worse, or I am more concious of this problem.

Do you think that my CPAP therapy has made my PLMD worse? Right now, I don't have health insurance, so I can't afford a doctor very easily. I guess I'd better get some and see a doc 'cause this is driving me crazy. Probably need to check those Ferritin levels. I also have hyper-thyroidism, and although in remission, may also be causing problems.

Anyway, I think I know what I need to do. Somehow see a doc, perhaps even get a second sleep study. This is gonna be expensive.

Anyway, thanks for your support.

telly wrote:Do you think that my CPAP therapy has made my PLMD worse?

I doubt that CPAP would make it worse. OSA and PLMD are two totally separate sleep disorders. I doubt if CPAP has any effect on PLMD one way or the other.

telly wrote:I was diagnosed with PLMD on my sleep study last year, with the tech noting that CPAP made no difference. Also, I get restless legs in the evening, and either that's gotten worse, or I am more concious of this problem.

I think you nailed it here...that your PLMD may be worse now. Been taking anything for it? If not, you might want to see if you can get a doctor to prescribe Mirapex. Maybe get free samples.

Good to see you again, telly! See what happens to you when you take too long a vacation from the message board?!!! Your legs have been trying to walk you back here!

Hi Telly. What timing - your "name" came up just a couple weeks ago when some family members were coming to LA for the TAXI music conference. I mentioned that someone who used to be kinda regular on the forum lived out there and I wondered what ever happened to him. Good to hear from you - sorry it means problems.

Just your mention of the messy bed covers makes me think your waking is likely due to the limb movements. The problem is the meds most often used are very expensive (not to mention the side effects). Yes, getting the ferritin level is a good idea. Iron pills are an inexpensive attempt at a solution. And you might want to try all the non prescription treatments first - the night time supplements, magnesium, Ivory soap in the bed... you may get enough relief to rest again. If not, a low dose of Requip may be enough to help you.

Hope things work out well for you - let us know. Take care.

Kathy

Thanks for the ideas gals. I think I will call up the one who prescribed cpap for me and see if I can line up some RL samples. He will probably want me to do an appointment though, and it's $350 w/o insurance. yikes.

OK, so I just called the doc and it is $150 for a follow up w/o insurance. Going on Monday.

May not be that PLMD is causing me to wake, the nurse I talked to asked if I lost any weight. I said that I had lost 30 lbs since my last sleep test (intentionally). So, looks like I gotta go in for another sleep study. Ouch, this is gonna be expensive. At least I already have a good machine.

Off Topic:
I lost the weight because I worked out a lot in preparing to march a field show with an alumni drum and bugle corps. We did it for the kids at the national championships out here in LA held in early August. Great fun! I used to do this as a teenager at the highest level, so it was very nostalgic (surreal?) to return to the field and blew the walls down! Average is 50 years old. In '72 Kingsmen won the national championships, this was a recreation of that show. Take a peek.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajkBlHV ... re=related
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE87V9Ned5o


Me and my baritone

My wife has been using mirapex with great success. While you will have to bite the bullet to become ans established patient....many care providers are sympathetic to uninsured patients and will provide samples whenever possible. Good call rested girl.

I just got back from my sleep study. At the lab, I work up around 4 or 5 times.

Talking to the sleep tech, I was titrated at 10cm and didn't have any respiratory problems at all. She said that when I was sleeping on my right side, my left leg on top would have the episodes of PLMD and vice versa. She said I got very little Stage 3, Stage 4 or REM so I am fairly sure that my PLMD is getting worse and is causing me to wake.

Looking forward to treating this problem. Not sure what they will recommend.

Telly,

Thanks for the update. Hope you find some relief soon. That pattern you described of when sleeping on your side the leg on top moves - my movements are like that too. Also, if laying on my back and one leg is bent, only the straight one is affected (or should I say afflicted).

Mirapex and Requip are the most commonly prescribed meds for PLMD these days. They are both dopamine agonists, and have similar side effects. Based on experience, I suggest you stay at the very minimum effective dose to minimize potential side effects. Awareness is key, so that you don't end up with an additional problem. These meds can cause addictive behaviors, particularly in the areas of gambling, shopping, eating, and sex. Not everyone experiences those side effects, and sometimes the severity of the PLMD makes it necessary at any cost.

I am down to 1.5 mg of Mirapex and now have minimal side effects, and am trying to reduce it even further. The only other "voice of experience" words are if you start the meds, don't stop abruptly - wean off.

My recent sleep study showed that both my OSA and PLMD are being controlled, so I will continue using my machine and my Mirapex and be grateful. Sleep maintenance has been an issue with me, but lately I've actually slept some stretches between 5 and 7 hours. When I tried to do without the Mirapex, I woke up every little while and my sleep was restless. I now sleep very sound for longer periods. Hopefully you will find similar relief soon. Please keep us updated.

Kathy