Throbbing Legs on Day 3\4 Anyone have any other ideas???

[JVegas50]

So it’s approaching 76 hours of withdrawals so far.  Honestly, the cold\sweats, stomach problems and anxiety are not that big a deal for me.  The worst part is the sleep and the Restless legs.  The past 2 days, my legs have been throbbing like crazy.  I have a high pain threshold, but they are really starting to annoy me.   Why do your legs hurt so badly during opiate withdrawal anyways?    So that all being said, let me tell you what I have been doing.   I take IB, potassium’s pills, I got Epson salt to soak in the bath with… Thanks to the wonderful Teri :)   Last night, I woke up at 3am and went to CVS, grabbed a muscle cream…kind of like IcyHot.  I also got some long socks, they are soccer socks…that seems to help a little because it’s like compression on my legs.   I also got the Hylands RLS pills.   Is there anything that I’m missing or am I doing all I can in regard to the legs?  Thank you everyone!

[JVegas50]

Thank you all for the comments and advice. Its really awesome that everyone is so helpfull and suportive on here. I wouldnt laugh IBkleen... whatever works right? Some good news, I don't have the chills and cold sweats anymore. Think that is a good sign right?

[ariley13]

Hang in there, because this will pass. I know how awful it is. I suffer from the painful RLS almost daily because of my back injury. When it's really bad,and I am contemplating chopping my legs off, I use Icy Hot then wrap then snugly in ace bandages. It really helps, and there have been many nights where I sleep like that. I hope that you get some relief very soon. Keep up all of the great work, you are doing so well! Take care.

[IBKleen]

I have been there so many times and  thought I would go insane. After years of relapsing I found some things that work and don't laugh.

Putting pressure on the calfs of your legs and heat will give you some relief. I put soap bars on my calves, wrapped them in ace bandages and set them on a heating pad. Laying flat in bed will not work. I always went to the recliner and elevated my legs. This will pass in a day or two. Please hang in there. It does get better!

[Rubber_Duck_Dog_Bone_in_the_pool_WhyNow]

Awesome job Jay. You are in the middle of the storm and it does suck. We are all pulling for you. Post as many times as you wish.  The heating pad will truly help out the legs. Great job and don't give up.  :-)

[Teri9498]

Yes Jay, all the above stuff helps!...I really think tho that u need 2 get clonidine from the Dr...some1 on here told me that on day3 or 4 when I couldn't lay still 4 nothing, I got it from the Dr, & it has helped me TONS w/the whole restless body, plus it knocks me out!!...try 2 get some!!...then a hot Epsom bath b4 bed!....I'm beyond proud of u!!!...xxoo :))

[BearsFan1966]

Just a few more days and you have made it past the worst of it! Magnesium works at night for me and the legs hurting! You are doing great and keep strong not much longer!

[JVegas50]

Thank you all... Im for sure going to try the warm blanket or towels tonight. So I was just reading that you should get about 4700mg but the Potassium pills I take are only 595mg and it says take 1 a day.  I guess I will up the dosage and eat some nanas too.  

[ROSYouralright]

Your doing great sweetie! The RLS and sleep were a major thing for 99.9% of us!! Luckily it doesn't last forever! I know you will hate to hear this (I surely did) but get up and get moving!! ESPECIALLY when you don't feel like it! Exercise helps speed the healing process tremendously!! Even a few short walks throughout the day will help you so much!! WEAR YOURSELF OUT and get as much sunlight as possible! You are really doing great and it will get better and better! I'm here rooting for you!

[vicki595]

What you're doing is perfect. Try a heating pad or electric blanket to warm your legs, keep taking hot baths, as hot as you can stand and be sure you're getting plenty of fluids. Dehydration contributes to RLS.

If you're taking Benadryl, stop. For sleep try Alteril. It works for almost everyone and it's all natural. Follow label directions. Let's see...oh...laying in bed isn't always helpful and makes RLS worse for a lot of people. Try a recliner, even at night for sleep.  But, I think if you put a routine together in the late evening like: Alteril, hot bath, a snack, comfy sleepwear, comfy bed with fresh sheets, Sleepytime Tea, and a quiet space...it might work for you.

Let us know how you're doing and be assured that all these symptoms go away with some time. Five days from now you'll feel a lot better!

[clean_in_ks]

In addition to what's been mentioned and what you are already doing....
I, too, laid on the floor and elevated my legs.  Used a hot pad, too.

Some other things I've heard shared:  have your pet lay on your legs; use an full body electric blanket, wrap your legs in ace bandages, throw towels/blanket in the dryer and put them on your legs and massage.

Epsom salt baths are SUPER beneficial....the magnesium and hot water...ooh la la....

[mommymarieme]

Yes the throbbing legs s*cks. I am sorry! Have you tried heating pad or wrapping them in hot towels from the dryer? The sleep thing i can not help on lol because i still have issues. :) you are doing so good you are almost over the hump! Keep up the great work

[Sonrissa]

Hi! You are doing all the right things. The only other things I could suggest is taking magnesium! and putting something heavy on your legs, like blankets. Also, another member had some ease for the RLS by sleeping in a recliner. Good luck, and hang in there, you are doing great!

[annibelle48]

Sounds like you're doing the right things... It helped me a lot day 3 - 5 to lay flat with my legs up on a bench or up on a chair or couch. Hope this helps. Stay strong!!