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I have a 4 yr history of PV, am presently maintained only on aspirin and monthly labs after coming off hydroxyurea in January of ‘23 due to swallowing issues. Hematocrit not quite to the point of needing phleb, but platelets are rising into 600’s.

My point about the RLS is this: For two years after diagnosis of PV and ET, I had erythromelalgia (severe burning pain of skin of both legs and feet up to knees) and could not tolerate bedding touching legs). That subsided after adding gabapentin… read more

April 30, 2023
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the challenging experience of restless leg syndrome alongside polycythemia vera, with many sharing that magnesium... Read more

Members connected over the challenging experience of restless leg syndrome alongside polycythemia vera, with many sharing that magnesium supplements (often 1000mg daily) and vitamin B1 (thiamine) have provided significant relief, while others found prescription medications like pramipexole, tizanidine, or gabapentin helpful though not always fully effective. Several members described the overlapping pain of erythromelalgia, characterized by severe burning sensations from feet to knees that makes even sheets unbearable, with some finding temporary relief through walking, cold packs, or topical lotions with mint and cinnamon. A recurring theme was the importance of distinguishing between MPN-related symptoms and separate neuropathy issues, with strong encouragement to seek thorough neurological assessments and consider consulting an MPN specialist when symptoms worsen or standard treatments fall short.

A myMPNteam Member

RLS and polycythemia vera
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in Patients (pts) with Polycythemia Vera (PV): Is Iron Deficiency (ID) the Only Culprit?

This article was posted in a newsletter I receive:
AshPublications.org

April 30, 2023 (edited)
A myMPNteam Member

Kathy, I may try a lesser dose of that again. Around ten years ago I was taking magnesium regularly, bit GI doctor took me off it because she believed it was making my severe
IBS-d worse. Now that I’m being treated successfully for that with cholestyramine, perhaps I can get back to the magnesium for the RLS. Good tip! Thanks.

June 27, 2023
A myMPNteam Member

My neurologist has prescribed Tizanidine to take at night so I can at least get to sleep. Constantly moving legs and toes. Does help me slow things down at night.

June 6, 2023
A myMPNteam Member

Hi MaryAnne I have suffered yrs of restless legs I take 1000 magnesium at night and have to have a folate tablet to.

May 18, 2023
A myMPNteam Member

My friend has neuropathy and she finds a mint and cinnamon lotion helps to stop the burning too. And leg and foot rubs.

May 10, 2023

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