LiamLicks: 5/17/15

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Restless Legs are Back

LIAM ANCHORING HIS RESTLESS LEGS

The name is back, that is. Restless Legs Syndrome. Two years ago the name was changed to Willis-Ekbom. The idea I think was to give the disorder a measure of gravitas. If it had a serious name maybe it would be recognized as a serious medical condition worthy of attention, study and treatment.

HOLDING ON TO A FRIEND'S LEGS HELPS

And its name an honor to the two men who diagnosed the syndrome. Sir Thomas Willis was the first to write about the syndrome in a medical way. He did this in 1672. Then a few centuries later in 1945, Karl Ekbom wrote a paper about the disease and called it Restless Legs. Here is the wiki link...you'll see them referenced near the bottom of the article in the history section.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restless_legs_syndrome
Here is a photo of some restless legs in our home.

LEGS

What is RLS? Here is the organization's website for the full experience.
http://www.rls.org/
And it is what it sounds like. One wants to move to feel better; to alleviate an uncomfortable feeling...can be one leg, both and not only legs. Arms, hands, head. My right side is restless.
Here is a medical explanation.
http://www.webmd.com/brain/restless-legs-syndrome/restless-legs-syndrome-rls

This year the organization offered a canvas poster compilation featuring RLS words submitted by sufferers. Who would buy this creative yet quirky item? Me. I have it. I believe the money tendered went to something good in the RLS community. I have it up in my yoga room. Thought it a fitting place...you'll see the temporary name across the bottom.

Liam has it also. Many believe dogs twitch and run while sleeping because they are having "chase" dreams. No. In my opinion, it's restless dog leg. The advantage dogs have is that they can sleep first and the restless legs kick in. Dogs will curl and stretch and curve their bodies to achieve comfort. Hiding front legs under and back legs bent. I study Liam's positions to see how he finds relief.

I have hooded sweatshirts which I purchased on sale a few years ago. Maybe the impending name change caused their obsolescence but now they have validity once more.

I felt sorry for them as it seemed no one wanted to wear them.

The RLS logo is on right side in the photos shown, left side when wearing. Yes, that is Liam looking. He does not wear a jacket but likes to have them near.