RLS News


RLS Medical Alert Card available for free

You can download a copy of the RLS Medical Alert Card by clicking here.  This card has valuable information about drugs to be avoided for RLS patients and there is space to add your drugs and other medical problems. 

Cardstock copies of this card are also be available from our group if you do not want to use the free download and print one up yourself.

To have one mailed, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) to: 

Susan Schlichting
P.O. Box 3432
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

or call 310.792.2952
 

Please add additional postage for each request over 9 cards.
 


 Mirapex (pramipexole) - Second drug approved for RLS treatment.

November 2006

The FDA has just given Mirapex its approval for treating RLS.  This drug, which is fairly similar to Requip (please see our RLS Treatment Page for more information) now offers RLS patient an alternative choice of an approved drug for treating their disorder.


 

  Requip (ropinirole) - First drug approved for RLS treatment.

May 2005

The FDA has just given Requip approval for use in RLS.  This is the first FDA drug approved for use in RLS.  Hopefully, several other drugs will follow in Requip's footsteps and get approved.  There will be a starter dose titration kit that should make it easy for physicians to prescribe this drug for RLS patients.


Death of Elizabeth "Bill" Tunison (Founder of our Support Group)

We are very sad to announce that Bill Tunison passed away on November 22, 2008. Bill started our support group and made it the biggest and most successful one in the country. She served as its leader for several years and also served on the board of directors of the RLS Foundation.

If you want to know more about what it is like to have RLS and how Elizabeth "Bill" Tunison started the Southern California RLS Support Group, read her letter to Pickett Guthrie, the former Executive Director of the RLS Foundation, Inc.

Below is an article written by our current group leader, Janis Lopes:

Elizabeth "Bill" Tunison, founder of the Southern California RLS Educational Support Group, passed away on November 22. This was a woman who impacted every life she touched by her common sense, wisdom, charm, and her wonderful sense of humor. "Bill" had a unique way of making people feel good about themselves and truly valued. She made people feel special.

She suffered from Restless Legs Syndrome from the time she was a child and it became her passion as she decided one day to seek out others with the same disorder and thus began the Southern California RLS Educational Support Group. She was instrumental in this group becoming the largest support group in the nation and was respected by everyone in the RLS community.

A memorial was held to celebrate her life at the Whittier First Christian Church, The church was filled with family and friends who shared wonderful stories of her very rich and full life. It was very evident that day that she was loved by all who knew her.

Should you desire to contribute to a memorial for "Bill", it was her wish that monies be given to the RLS Foundation. Helping others who live with Restless Legs Syndrome was something she cared deeply about and we can think of no better way to honor "Bill".

 


    NEWS for Airplane Traveling RLS Patients

Your RLS symptoms -- an almost irresistible urge to move your legs due to sensations that are worse during inactivity -- may be a disability that qualifies you to request an aisle seat during air travel. A provision of the Air Carriers Access Act, 14 Code of Federal Regulations 382.38(c) provides that if you identify yourself to an air carrier "that assigns seats in advance" (not all airlines do) as a passenger with a disability "needing a seat assignment accommodation in order to access and use the carrier's air transportation services," then you will be afforded consideration in your seat assignment.


RLS Foundation Information

Our group is under the guidance of the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, Inc. which is an excellent source of information on RLS. You can also look up other support groups around the country on their web site.

For a free brochure  about RLS and the RLS Foundation send a self addressed and stamped envelope to:

3006 Bee Caves Road
Suite D206
Austin, TX 78746

Phone: (512) 366-9109
Fax: (512) 366-9189
 

American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)

This is the professional society of sleep specialists and sleep centers.   You can check out their web site homepage.

For other information you can call or write to:

American Academy of Sleep Medicine
One Westbrook Corporate Center, Ste. 920,
Westchester, IL 60154
Telephone (708) 492-0930 Fax: (708) 492-0943