The Road To Restless Leg Syndrome

Note: I am not a medical professional. Please ask your physician about your specific condition. 
 
Dear purple butterflies, 

Have your legs ever kept you up at night by a twitching sensation? I used to think mine were caused by my botched plantar fasciitis surgery in 2003. I wish I’d never had that surgery. It left me with no arch in my left foot. The plantar fasciitis has returned to my left foot, as well as it’s now in my right foot. To be fair, the doctor did warn me it could return, I was in so much pain at the time I wasn’t thinking straight. After all that was said and done, I would get so mad at myself for not getting a second opinion. Many years and research later, I learned what my spasms actually are, is something called Restless Leg Syndrome. One day, I was talking to my dad about how I never slept well when I was younger. It suddenly hit me. I have always had these spasms. It started as far back at the age of nine years old. Back then my family, friends and I figured all wrote it off as I was having nightmares. 
 
I am constantly learning about my disability, as well as its effects on my body. It has taken quite a while to find the right medication to “calm” those spasms down. Currently I take four pramipexole in the evening, along with my other medications. I am learning I need to cut back how much sugar I have in my diet. If I don’t watch what I am eating, my body lets me know about it. Usually, I’ll end up with very uncomfortable spams for the rest of the evening. So, I must decide. Have that second piece of chocolate or stay up all night. I’m sure everyone can agree that it is a struggle. 
 
Even going through my darkest, depressed days I will never give up hope. Is Your Fibromyalgia Causing Muscle Spasms? is another resourceful piece of literature regarding muscle spasms. "Do you sometimes have muscles that tighten up and won't relax no matter what you do? That's called a muscle spasm, and a lot of people with fibromyalgia have this problem. In fact, some researchers consider it a major source of our pain. Spasms are different from muscle twitches, which are brief and usually painless. When a muscle spasms, it clenches tight and stays that way" (verywellhealth.com).
 
This week’s blog persuaded me to share a little bit more about my main character in my novel. She will be a purple paladin. One definition of a paladin is “A strong supporter or defender of a cause” (youdictionary.com). She is a Fibro butterfly and will have restless leg syndrome. 
 
Do you have restless leg syndrome? What help you the most during a flare? Thank you for taking the time to read my blog today! If you’re enjoying my blogs, why not subscribe to my website? My blogs will go straight to your email. It’s free to sign up! Tell your friends! Tell your friends to tell their friends! Please continue to stay safe purple butterflies!
 
Till next time! 
 
 ~ Rachel 

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