Grateful even in the pain of RLS
His mercies never fail.
Sleepless, restless, and uncomfortable. Can’t sit down, can’t lay down. Must continue moving and stretching to keep the pain at bay. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) has me pacing through the house. Upstairs it’s hot, downstairs it’s cold. I can watch TV but must stand up and move around.
If you have RLS or know someone who does, I’m sure you understand entirely. There is no cure, and currently, the drugs, vitamins, and supplements are not enough to make the crawling, cramping, and aching feelings go away. As is human nature, we find a way to tolerate the pain.
So here I stand tonight, eye level with the computer. Which makes me think about five things I’m grateful for when RLS strikes:
- Melatonin and Aleve provide some relief, but not always.
- The standing computer — I’ve had the Veridesk for five years. It was a bit tough to put together, but it’s been a dream (pun intended) ever since.
- Comfy robe — feeling comfortable in the rest of my body helps keep me calm enough to wait out the crawlings.
- Water and animal crackers — are my comfort food, but I am also trying to stay on the path by drinking more water (it cures everything, right?).
- Prayer — I’ve learned you don’t have to be still while praying. It’s a good habit to get into, so you create a good atmosphere for prayer. But, you know what, I’m pretty sure God is listening while I’m walking around. He listened to Jeremiah in the book of Lamentations; He’ll listen to you.
“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions (mercies) never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:22–24 NIV
For more information on Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), check out this overview on the Mayo Clinic site.
