Restless leg after chemo treatment

@jenjenmarie

I have had RLS most of my life. One contributing factor to RLS is low iron, have you had a Ferritin blood test lately? Seeing you have been undergoing chemo, there is a chance you may be anemic.

If it is not low iron, there are medications that helps with RLS, you should talk to your primary about symptoms. My RLS is worse at night and effects my sleep. I take Gabapentin.

Is the RLS new since having chemo?

Thank you for responding. Yes it started after my chemo treatment. I've tried creams and it seems to be worse when I take a sleeping pill. I am not low on iron I had blood work recently and everything was normal

Hi @jenjenmarie, does your bloodwork include a magnesium reading? Sometimes low mg is associated with restless leg syndrome. I was cleared to take Magnesium Glycinate. It is very gentle on the intestines…we don’t need surprises after chemo. ☺️

There is a OTC product called restful leg.
Helps some. For worse rls you may need to get a prescription for gabapentin.
Works for me. Some people say it makes them feel off balanced, but I haven’t had that experience.

I have restless leg syndrome. I take Pramipexole at night and it works great. I also have to wear something to keep my legs warm. If they get cold it happens . Sometimes I might get a leg cramp and then I drink a little bit of vinegar in a small amount of water or dill pickle juice and they will stop immediately. I hope this helps you. Sincerely D.L. S.

@dannasims50 a teaspoon of prepared mustard helps me,

Hi @jenjenmarie, I add my welcome. Since your restless legs appear to be related to chemo treatment, I moved this discussion to the Blood Cancers support group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/blood-cancers-disorders/) and Cancer: Managing Symptoms support group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/cancer-managing-symptoms/)

I hope some of the tips from members have been helpful. You might wish to talk to your cancer team before trying any supplements or prescriptions.

Have you talked to your symptom management nurse about this new development since chemo?

I've had RLS for over 40 years and have tried many different medications and the only thing that seems to help is Clonazepam. When I was first diagnosed it was the only medication that was available at the time. Now, physicians don't like to prescribe it as there are other medications available (tried everything and the side effects have been awful, and each person is different). My blood work is fine, but I saw a Sleep Study provider and they prescribed Magnesium (400 mg) and Iron with Vitamin C and that has helped tremendously. I have a friend who had cancer, and she experienced RLS after her chemo. Talk with your provider to see what other medications might be helpful for you. It truly is an awful feeling to experience. I wish you the best in getting some relief, it truly affects one's quality of life.