Prop tricks all require that you have a physical object, person, or device available. There can be drawbacks to using prop tricks.
1. You have to think ahead and remember to have the prop available.
2. You have to make sure you don't run out of the prop, i.e. running out of a prescription or herbal remedy right before or during a trip.
3. You have to choose the props which are allowed, practical or advisable...i.e. drinks might not be allowed in a classroom or concert; pills might not be advisable for young RLSers or those who are already on too many other medications; and massagers might be too bulky or noisy to use in a meeting or group setting.
REMINDER! Medicines are just one of the many tricks in your plan. Don't allow yourself to be fooled by false hopes and expectations. Here are a few comments on prescription medicines.
1. There isn't a pill that will cure RLS....yet.
2. Prescripton medicines are just like all the other tricks, in that they follow a "trial by error" approach and are mostly geared toward treating symptoms and aggravators, because we still do not know the cause. Unlike an antibiotic, which destroys the bacteria that causes an infection, medicines used for treating RLS just bring relief or minimize frequency or severity, but do not cure RLS.
3. There are basically four classes of medicines used to treat RLS, but none of them are designated as RLS drugs. It's up to you, to know what the purpose of the drug is, and what to expect from it. You will also want to decide whether you should try a constant medicine (which you take preventatively) or whether you want a medicine to take only when you really need a good night of sleep or really have to get through a "sit still" event.
4. Work with your doctor, helping him understand what your goals are. If you just want occasional help getting to sleep, that's different than wanting daytime relief, on a daily basis, from persistent RLS attacks. Get the medicine to fit the need.
5. Use your medicines ALONG WITH your other tricks. By maintaining a full bag of tricks, you may be able to keep your dosages small, which will prolong the time they are effective and will reduce side effects.
HOWEVER....here's my warning! If herbals and supplements work, then it's because they are potent. And if they are potent, then they are POTENTially dangerous. They can interact with other medicines, cause damage to your organs, and in some cases where there are other health issues, they can be fatal.
My point is, use them with respect, intelligence, education, and great care. Do your research, especially into interactions. Be sure to tell your doctor about any herbs or supplements your are taking.
If you click on the walkman/headset, above, you'll go to my "music tips" page, where I describe, in detail, how to get to sleep, using music. You'll also see some of the original thoughts I had, which helped me develop this whole BOTA idea.
Music is wonderful, in that it helps you focus, distracts you, and overpowers any other brain activity telling you to squirm. It's also highly adaptable to individual taste and situations. Experiment! There are many possibilities with music.
Your list might include suckers, computer games, paying the bills, doing chores, or taking a bath.
If it hasn't worked for you, in the past, it MIGHT be because the person didn't do it in a way that was good for you. Experiment. Instruct your massager as to how your squirmy sensations feel, where they are localized, and what type of touch or massage would feel best.
For more thoughts on massage, click on the massage picture, above.
Are they worth the money? In my opinion, only if three things are true.
1. You couldn't find the same product for less money, someplace else. I learned the hard way. I spent over $200 on a great percussion massager, like in the picture, above. Then, I found one exactly like it for $40. OUCH!
2. It's only worth it if you use it. Try to borrow it, or anticipate whether you are really likely to fit it into your Plan of Attack. If not, then you might as well send ME the money, and it'll do you just as much good.
3. And finally, it's worth it, as long as you don't kid yourself into thinking it's the only thing you'll ever need and/or that it will cure your RLS.
