Brief Answer:
Rule other causes out, correct iron deficiency, change meds

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern.

I am sorry for your distress.

If you are not satisfied with your current physician, you may opt for another one.
The diagnosis of RLS should only be done after the other common causes mimicking similar symptoms are ruled out first.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and the compelling need to move the legs. Most people with RLS have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.

Low iron levels or anemia, chronic diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and peripheral neuropathy have been found to have a correlation with RLS. Patients using certain medications - such as anti-nausea, anti-seizure, and antipsychotic drugs, and some cold and allergy medications - appear to be more likely to suffer from RLS.

Sometimes people will experience spontaneous improvement over a period of weeks or months. Although rare, spontaneous improvement over a period of years also can occur. If these improvements occur, it is usually during the early stages of the disorder. In general, however, symptoms become more severe over time.

The disorder can be controlled by treating any underlying disorder such as diabetes or anemia. All patients suspected of RLS should get tested for iron deficiency. Blood levels of the following should also be checked for
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine, Fasting blood glucose, Magnesium Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) , Vitamin B-12 and Folate


The clinical diagnosis of RLS is difficult to make. It largely depends on patients' descriptions of symptoms and responses to medication after other common causes are ruled out. So a clinical exam and expertise of the physician to detect similar patterns of symptoms does play a role.

Studies to measure electrical activity in muscles and nerves (Needle EMG and nerve conduction studies) may be recommended. Such tests can document any accompanying damage or disease in nerves and nerve roots (such as peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy) or other leg-related movement disorders. Negative results from tests may indicate that the diagnosis is RLS.

Polysomnography (PSG) may be necessary to evaluate and assess periodic leg movements of sleep (PLMS) commonly associated with RLS.

Treatment of RLS depends upon the severity; mild to moderate symptoms may not require any medication.
You are using Requip and Gabapentin, both of which provide relief in RLS. You may discuss the option of changing gabapentin to Pregabalin and maximizing the dose of ropinirole ( Requip ) to see for improvement.

No one drug is effective for everyone with RLS. What may be helpful to one patient may actually worsen symptoms in another. Further, medications taken regularly may lose their effect, making it necessary to change them periodically.
Steroids can be tried as a last resort, though they are not FDA approved.

For patients where there is no apparent associated medical condition, treatment is directed at relieving symptoms. Certain lifestyle changes and activities to reduce or eliminate symptoms can be implemented, such as decreased use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. It may be appropriate that certain individuals take supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate, and magnesium.

A program of regular moderate exercise helps some patients sleep better on the other hand, excessive exercise has been reported by some patients to aggravate RLS symptoms , so you can see if it helps you improve or not

Taking a hot bath, massaging the legs, or using a heating pad or ice pack can help relieve symptoms in some patients. Although many patients find some relief with such measures, rarely do these efforts completely eliminate symptoms.


Hope this helps.


Let me know if you have any query

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

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Brief Answer:
RLS is inheritable

Detailed Answer:
hello,

People with a family history of RLS make up approximately 50% of cases, though the exact cause is still not known. So your daughters do have a chance of getting RLS if your diagnosis of RLS is confirmed.

Im positive , your daughters wont hold you responsible for the RLS , as no one has control over the choice of genes we bring into this world. I am sorry to hear about your father's suffering and understand your grief. I hope you remain steadfast and positive.

RLS can affect anyone of any age, although the disorder is more common with increasing age. It occurs in both genders, although the incidence may be slightly higher in women.

The severity of the symptoms of RLS and its prognosis can be gauged from the disruption and disturbance of sleep that it causes, You may elaborate how these symptoms have affected your sleep and whether you have recurrent sleep disruptions or trouble going to sleep.

Its wise of you to consult a neurologist, because confirmation of the diagnosis is necessary before labelling a person with RLS. The CBC consists of many tests , i think the number 10 that you are referring to, is the Hb ( hemoglobin ) which is a bit low, though a peripheral smear and iron studies will aid further in detecting whether you are iron deficient.

As i stated in my first answer that generally the symptoms get worse with time and response to treatment varies from patient to patient but spontaneous and prolonged remissions have also been seen frequently, so i would advise you to stay positive.

Let me know if you have any query.
I will be more than glad to answer.

Thanks.

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