I'm Not saying You're Ignorant, But....

Let's face it--we have all come across some ignorant people during our time with RLS/WED. I'm not talking about the so-called comedians who have no problem making fun of everything and everyone. No, I'm talking about the general public; and sorry to say, about doctors, friends and family.

I came across a website that made fun of (Surprise!) RLS/WED. In it the author said there were two conditions for RLS:
1. You have legs
2. Sometimes they move

Now there is a difference in being ignorant but willing to learn, and being ignorant because you want to prove your point. The later people hear or see something that supports their idea of RLS and no amount of proof otherwise will ever change their little pea-brained minds.

However, here are some come-backs and information you might use or expand on--just in case you come across someone who shows a willingness to learn:

Using Google--there are 24,374,710 results when you type in RLS, Restless Leg Syndrome or Restless Legs Syndrome. That number represents a lot of people looking for answers. If you look up Parkinson's Disease (a well-documented disorder), you get 24,300,000.

Facebook now has 4249 friends and the RLS/WED Foundation Discussion Board has 3018 users. (I was the third person to join the discussion board back in 2004).

There aren't any conclusive tests that prove you have RLS.
There aren't any for the common headache either. So does that mean your headache doesn't exist?

RLS is a made-up disease so the pharamceutical companies can make money.
Sir Thomas Willis first wrote about this in 1672. Sound familiar?

Wherefore to some, when being a Bed
they betake themselves to sleep, presently
in the Arms and Leggs Leapings
and Contractions to the Tendons, and
so great a Restlessness and Tossing of
their Members ensue, that the diseased
are no more able to sleep, than if they
were in a Place of the greatest Torture.

The term Restless Legs Syndrome was first used medically in 1945--long before the pharma companies were producing medications for it.

No one heard of RLS before the pharma companies started advertising it. Now everyone thinks they have it.
Did you ever stop to think that maybe "everyone" didn't have a clue what was wrong with them until they saw the ads? I have heard from so many people who were so grateful to finally have a name to put with their problem.

I wrote in a previous blog about all the medical boards and associations that not only believe RLS exists but are doing research and support programs. If the National Institute of Health recognizes RLS/WED, then your ignorant cousin twice-removed should take heed.

There will always be ignorant people in this world that are hard to convince. Look how long it took to persuade people the earth wasn't flat! By becoming educated and talking to others about RLS/WED, you will find yourself better able to deal with them in a calm, rational way. The worst thing we can do is to rant and rave, insult or overwhelm someone we are trying to educate. That makes us look as bad as the worst of them.

Maybe we need to look into mass production of signs that say, "Beware, RLS Dummy". Then when we come across those who are informationally challenged we can hand it to them and say, "Here's your sign!"

**Postings are of my own opinions and may not reflect the opinions of the RLS Foundation**

Moon & Stars,
Kathy