TERMS of the RLS Rebel

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RLS REBEL PROGRAM:  This is the combination of the Reduction Plan and the BOTA. First you reduce the "beast of RLS" to a mere "bully" and then you apply an "approach" involving combinations of tricks which are systematically and methodically applied.


REDUCTION PLAN:   This is half of "The RLS Rebel Program". (See the link with the spinning hat, at the top of the main page.) The concept of the plan is that we need to reduce the out-of-control "beast of RLS" and bring him down to "bully size".


B.O.T.A.:   These letters stand for "Bag of Tricks Approach". It involves a systematic plan for using drugs AND/OR alternatives, or what I call "tricks", which are things we use to respond to and relieve our RLS.

ZERO TOLERANCE:  This is the the concept of stopping an RLS attack as soon as it starts. The object is to use a "plan of attack", but if that fails, you should do whatever it takes (as long as it's safe) to stop the attack quickly. The longer it continues, the harder it is to stop.


RLSer:  This is a term I coined, to refer to anyone who is surviving with RLS symptoms.


RLS Rebel:  This is a nickname I took for myself. But I use this name to refer to anyone who has decided to rebel against RLS, given up counting on "the easy fix", and who has committed themselves to diligent work at surviving with RLS.


BULLY NOISE:  This is based on the old concept that you can't hear a bully yelling at you, if you stick your finger in your ear and yell louder than the bully. It's also based on the concept of "white noise", or drowning out "like with like". If you can keep your brain activity busier than the silly tauntings to wiggle, you can actually overpower the urge to move. This concept is discussed on my website titled "Therefore....my Theory". It is also discussed as part of the B.O.T.A., Step 1: Gathering Your Tricks, No-Prop Tricks. Related information can also be found under any links pertaining to concentration or distractions.


RLS TRICKS:  Obviously, "tricks" is not a new word. But I use it purposefully, to describe treatment options with RLS. I call them "tricks", because, like magic tricks, sometimes they work, and sometimes they don't. And when they DO work, they often give the illusion of having cured us, when, in fact, they've only brought us temporary relief. So, in an effort to avoid fooling ourselves into thinking we are using a reliable treatment or cure, I use the term "tricks".


NO PROP TRICKS vs PROP TRICKS:   I make a differentiation between tricks that require you to have something with you (i.e. drugs, massagers, hot water, suckers, teas) and tricks which you always have with you and available (i.e. walking, mental distraction, stretching, exercise, brushing or massage). Both are important to have in your "bag of tricks".

ARL:  This is a friend of mine, who I "gave birth to" as a prop for a presentation I gave at the March 2001 RLS Foundation meeting in Phoenix, AZ. Can't tell you more, or I'd spoil it, when you finally meet him. :)