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tannie53's avatar
tannie53
Member
12 years ago

Restless Legs - driving me nuts!

I know in the scheme of things this is not a biggy but since I had my mastectomy on December 18 I have had what they call 'restless legs' when I go to bed and it keeps me awake for hours.  Just when I think I can nod off to sleep it starts up again.  So lack of sleep is becoming a bit of a problem.!  I have never had this problem before so I am assumming it is related to my surgery .......Is there anyone out there who has had this problem and what solutions have you found? 

Tanya 

16 Replies

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  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    12 years ago

    I have suffered from restless legs for many many years. When I had my FEC chemo they stopped, now on Docetaxol they are back with a vengeance. Every night I am up stretching and stretching them, in the hope of falling asleep and staying asleep. They drive me insane too, 

    Hazel xx

  • bmc's avatar
    bmc
    Member
    12 years ago

    Good to hear that the panadol worked for you. My oncologist assured me that the two I take are perfectly safe and won't lead to any liver or kidney issues. The restful sleep is the most important thing to help recovery. Onc has also said that no one knows what causes the muscle spasms and leg pain and it is trial and error to find a way of managing it.

    Good luck for Wednesday.

  • bmc's avatar
    bmc
    Member
    12 years ago

    Good to hear that the panadol worked for you. My oncologist assured me that the two I take are perfectly safe and won't lead to any liver or kidney issues. The restful sleep is the most important thing to help recovery. Onc has also said that no one knows what causes the muscle spasms and leg pain and it is trial and error to find a way of managing it.

    Good luck for Wednesday.

  • tannie53's avatar
    tannie53
    Member
    12 years ago

    I took 1 panadol last night before I went to bed and fell asleep with no problems. I woke at 1am with the beginnings of my nightly marathon so I took another panadol and it worked! I went straight back to sleep with no interruptions. yay! At last some sleep. I am having anxillary node removal on Wednesday so I may not take panadol again until after the surgery but at least I had 1  nights sleep before hand. Thanks everyone for your great advice!

    Tanya x

  • tannie53's avatar
    tannie53
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks Elizabeth. It does sound wierd but anything is worth a go. Will get to the chemist and let you know how I go.

    Tanya

  • tannie53's avatar
    tannie53
    Member
    12 years ago

    Amazing! Just so unexpected but at least I know I am not the only one! I am going to try thr panadol tonight and see if that works.

    Tanya

  • bmc's avatar
    bmc
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Tanya

    I also tried absolutely everything, and my oncologist suggested two panadol at bedtime. Usually works well.

    Through trial and error I have found the "rapid" type works best.

    You really need you rest so perhaps give it a go.

    Best wishes.

     

     

  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    12 years ago

    I have suffered restless legs for years and years, well before my BC diagnosis. Haven't found any miracle cure, what I do is stretch the calf muscle at the back of my leg, it can take 10 minutes or so and when it stops hurting to do so, I find I can usually get to sleep. I used to fight it but it was pointless, I tried magnesium, stopped caffiene, nothing worked. Hope you find some comfort soon, best wishes,

    Hazel xx