3 TYPES of RLS means 3 RESPONSES

I'm finding there is a definite difference in the kind of RLS attacks I get. Each type involves the same weird crawly feeling (the one I describe as like a bottle brush being run up and down inside my leg). But there are other things that differentiate the type of RLS attack. 1. Sometimes, it's just that crawly feeling, and the need to move my legs, and the inability to lay still. My muscles don't tighten, and I don't panic. I can overpower these with concentration, music, or simple distractions or a quick walk/stretch. 2. Sometimes, the crawly feeling also involves the muscles. When that happens, it's vital to get up and stretch, or massage the area and stop the muscles from tightening further. Sometimes I don't realize the muscles are becoming involved, so I just take my time trying to concentrate or do something to relax. NOT a good idea. Once the muscles tighten up...it just gets worse and will end up painful. The only answer is to walk or massage and/or stretch those muscles. 3. Sometimes, the crawly feeling is more of an overall body feeling, involving legs, arms, head, and mind. I get the feeling I'm covered in a spider web and just can't shake the sensation. It's definitely a feeling of panic and craziness. You've all heard me say that when an RLS attack hits I start at the top of my list or "bag of tricks" and work through them all until one works (repeating from the top if nothing works). Well, what I'm learning, is that I have to start recognizing the TYPE of attack I'm experiencing, and treat each one differently. I can overpower a crawly feeling with music or concentration. I can NOT do that when it involves muscles. This would mean that if I were traveling in an airplane or car, and I felt my muscles getting involved, I should IMMEDIATELY stretch, walk, or start a strong massage of those muscles. As for the full panic type...I haven't figured those out, yet. I think the best thing for that is to get lost in something, like a computer game, letter writing, dancing, piano playing, etc. I surely can't just "talk" myself out of it.
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