RLS sufferer with new pain. What should I ask the doc?

October 21, 2007 5:17 PM

I've got a continuing ache-y pain in my left leg in two spots. I also have been suffering restless leg syndrome (in both legs, but especially that one) for quite a while and recently (1.5 months ago) started taking Requip, which seems to help with the RLS. The ache-y pain is a recent thing though, starting about two weeks ago. What should I ask my doctor to check?

I *am* going to see the doctor. I just want to go in there prepared to ask the right questions. Since RLS has been going on for a while, most prevalent in that leg, I'm beginning to be concerned that something more serious is happening and the RLS is really just a symptom of something else.

Since it pretty much requires an act of Congress to go to the doctor (much to my wife's chagrin), and I hate the idea of coming across as a hypochondriac, but I want to go in informed and knowledgable, what are the things I should bring up/request?

posted by Kickstart70 to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

These questions are more for you than the doctor.

Where is the pain? Is it present absolutely all the time, or does it show up in relation to time of day, activity, etc.? Is the pain generalized or local? If it seems to be at or near a bone or joint, is that area more tender when you apply pressure?
posted by maudlin at 5:48 PM on October 21, 2007

Response by poster: It's in two places, well apart...in my shin and deep in my thigh. The pains are...similar...same level of ache, if that makes any sense. It's also fairly continuous throughout the day. I was fine with ignoring it for a while, but now the idea that it could be something more serious is as bothersome as the ache is.
posted by Kickstart70 at 5:52 PM on October 21, 2007

Possibly a blood clot?
posted by chiababe at 6:32 PM on October 21, 2007

Seconding Chiababe on blood clot (= deep vein thrombosis I believe) as something worth asking about. IANAD or health care pro of any type, but clots can travel to lungs etc. So, even if a remote possibility, worth keeping in mind till ruled out. If other symtoms emerge, like in chest, then go to ER fast.
posted by Kevin S at 7:51 PM on October 21, 2007

I don't want to alarm you unnecessarily, but localized pain in several locations and restless leg syndrome are both symptoms of fibromyalgia. Maybe you should look at the other symptoms to see if they fit.
posted by number9dream at 8:39 PM on October 21, 2007

Describe any and all symptoms as you did for us, but don't offer any diagnoses (such as RLS or fibromyalgia). Doctors tend to get their backs up when patients announce "I've got X!" Good luck.
posted by Carol Anne at 5:19 AM on October 22, 2007