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From: bridesmom
Date: 11-16-2005, 07:40 AM (1 of 41)
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Do any of you suffer from this? I've got it, as does my sister, and my daughter, and my mom had it. My DH heard about a new drug called Requip which is supposed to help with it, but it sounds like it causes quite a drowsy state, which is NOT a good thing for me. I find sometimes I even wake myself up at night, and my poor hubby gets tired of not getting a good sleep. I'm even wondering if changing to one of those memory foam mattresses would help. With so many of us in the family having it, makes me think its a hereditary thing. Most of the time I don't really notice it much, guess I'm so used to always moving my legs around but there are times I could almost scream with it, not that its painful, its just sooo irritating.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: GreenDragonLady
Date: 11-16-2005, 08:24 AM (2 of 41)
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Does it only happen at night? I don't really know anything about it.
photos.yahoo.com/greendragondesigns
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User: GreenDragonLady
Member since: 07-29-2004 Total posts: 495 
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From: MaryW
Date: 11-16-2005, 08:52 AM (3 of 41)
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I've had it off and on. Yes, it only happens when you lay down. It's an irresistable urge to move your feet and legs. Very annoying.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Dede
Date: 11-16-2005, 09:02 AM (4 of 41)
| My first impulse would be to inquire about muscles relaxants. What do doctors say about it? As for the state of drowsiness, I have to ask if it is bothersome during one's sleep? |
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001 Total posts: 469 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-16-2005, 09:05 AM (5 of 41)
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Oh yeah, it can wake you.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: DorothyL
Date: 11-16-2005, 10:00 AM (6 of 41)
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I think Dede meant -- it's the same thing that came to my mind -- why is a state of drowsiness a problem when you are asleep? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: mamahoogie
Date: 11-16-2005, 10:56 AM (7 of 41)
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My sister-in-law has suffered from this for years and has a tried a host of medicine. You need to see a neuralogist pronto because what works for one person does not work for another. On a more positive note, when my legs started twitching at night a few months ago I thought "Oh no, it's restless leg syndrome" but when I mentioned it to my daughter she said "you need more magnesium". I told her I was taking calcium with magnesium but she insisted I buy just magnesium to add to it. I did and within 2 nights, no more twitching. So, if you have a mild case of it, try the magnesium but if it doesn't work, I would seek medical help. Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: Magot
Date: 11-16-2005, 11:31 AM (8 of 41)
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I only get it when I am really tired - I find that getting out of bed and bathing my feet to cool them down helps. I always used to sy I had dancy feet - and then I found out I wasn't the only person in the world who suffered from it!
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: sewingrandma
Date: 11-16-2005, 04:12 PM (9 of 41)
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Have you tried the bar of soap under the sheets at the foot of your bed? I've heard that many people have said they get results with this. Also some people elevate the foot of their beds a few inches and have relief. There is a host of meds out there that are used for restless leg syndrome from antidepressants to antihypertensives. It may take time to find something that works for you.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 11-17-2005, 08:27 AM (10 of 41)
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Well, a bar of soap and magnesium huh? I'm to the point I will try anything. It gets so bad sometimes that it wakes me up from a dead sleep. And I find I am always twitching my legs or wiggleing my toes or tapping my foot. When I get a bad spell of it, I literally can't sit, it is so irritating, you have to get up and walk around. I mostly get it at night, late evening, or when I'm sleeping. The problem with the Requip is it sounds like you can fall asleep at any time, day or night once you are taking it, which is not a good thing if you happen to be driving somewhere at a high rate of speed! They don't recommend you drive while taking it. And since I am in a job that requires a high state of alertness I don't imagine falling asleep or even being very drowsy is a good thing.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: mamadus
Date: 11-18-2005, 12:39 AM (11 of 41)
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IN my house we call this "jimmy legs" don't ask me why... something my dh started... but yes... I do think its hereditary cuz my kids and I all have it, as does my dad... think I'll try the magnesium... MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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From: beachgirl
Date: 11-18-2005, 01:04 AM (12 of 41)
| I don't think that's what I have but do have a question. I've heard about the soap under the sheet, where are you suppose to put the bar of soap ? Next to the leg under the top sheet or bottom ? Any where in the bed or what ? I have visions of that bar of soap being lord knows where when I'd wake up. If it's suppose to be near my leg I'd have to tape it there with duck tape. I move around in my sleep. Sorry, I'm sitting here laughing about that darn bar of soap. I am serious about the questions though. Honest. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: sewingrandma
Date: 11-18-2005, 10:17 AM (13 of 41)
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I was told that the soap goes under the bottom sheet at the end of the bed. Your legs do not have to come in contact with it. I don't understand just that it has worked for many people. Has even been written up in the paper here.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 11-18-2005, 10:52 AM (14 of 41)
| Our paper runs DR Gott & I saw it there. He said he has no idea how or why it works but does for some & not for others. It was never said where to put the soap, that's why I ask. Thanks for telling me. Don't have a clue what happens to my leg once in awhile but I'll try it. Can't hurt. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: vitrine
Date: 11-18-2005, 11:05 AM (15 of 41)
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I have Restless Leg Syndrome! You have to spend a nite at a sleep clinic to find out if you actually have it, or just move your legs around a lot! I only sleep 15 or 20 min before waking up, then fall back to sleep for 15 or 20 min, wake up, fall back etc,etc,etc. I'm very tired during the day. When I was at the sleep clinic, I didn't sleep at all for 8 hours! RLS also acts in the daytime, when you relax. My legs move when I'm sitting on the chesterfield and have my feet on the coffee table, or a foot stool. Magnesium is a good starting point. You need 250 mg once daily. There are a lot of prescription drugs you can try, but all have side effects. Right now I'm on Nortriptyline, 10 mg, 3 times daily. It seems to help (I've been taking it 3 wks now). My toes don't twitch nearly as much. But, I have a dry mouth. When I get up in the morning, my lips are gummy & stuck together! So, I don't know which is worse. RLS or a gummy mouth? I would be interested if anyone tries anything else, and how it works. I go once a month and the doctor tries different things. Phyllis |
User: vitrine
Member since: 07-16-2005 Total posts: 2 |
From: suzquilts46
Date: 11-18-2005, 03:20 PM (16 of 41)
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I just had to reply to this one. I have had RLS for many years and it got so bad that it was really interfering with my sleep and even relaxation during the daytime. I had the sleep study and my doctor put me on Myrapex.......a medication for Parkinsons disease but a much smaller dose than a Parkinsons patient would need. I have not had any side affects from it and have taken it for several years. It has helped me immensely. Also, be very careful when taking magnesium. If you take to much magnesium without the proper proportion of calcium with it you can cause problems with your heart.
Susan Life is a journey......................not a destination.
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User: suzquilts46
Member since: 12-07-2004 Total posts: 23 |
From: gm23237
Date: 11-18-2005, 04:59 PM (17 of 41)
| In 1997 I had three disks in my backed removed, a sleeve place around them and then replace, I also had an 18 inch rod placed in my back and a lamenectomy (spelling?) and every since I have been on pain meds amytriptolene (100 mgs) and tramadol at bedtime. I still have trouble with the legs, they feel like they are falling asleep and I can not even put a sheet overe them. This condition is very uncomfortable and I have not found anything yet thet really relieves it. Good luck to all of you that have it. |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 11-18-2005, 05:15 PM (18 of 41)
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I had never heard of RLS until this thread, but today a local TV channel has run a commercial 3 times in 1 hour for a medication for it.. I don't know if they have been doing that all the time or not.. I find it hard to believe that I have overlooked something like that if it has been on frequently.. I thought it might be a new medication, but now I have forgotten its name..I'll write it down next time I see it..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Dede
Date: 11-18-2005, 05:47 PM (19 of 41)
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I think Dede meant --...-- why is a state of drowsiness a problem when you are asleep? Dorothy Thank you. |
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001 Total posts: 469 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 11-19-2005, 01:30 AM (20 of 41)
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Ok, now my DH wants to know does it matter what kind of soap you use?? My doctor did suggest CoEnzyme Q10 which is a vitamin, its for heart circulation. I did use it for a while and I think it helped, I'm just horrible at taking pills, I keep blaming it on the shift work, but if I'd just remember to take it either before going to bed or once I got up, no matter when, it's be fine. Thank heaven I don't need birth control any more 
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: June C.
Date: 11-19-2005, 03:31 AM (21 of 41)
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Hi my name is June and I'm new. In reference to the RLS. I have had it for some time now,and I don't mean to sound morose but this can have a great to do with your life. I have it all the time not just at night. It starts in my lower back and goes down my legs. It is hereditary. I take requip for my RLS. It took a long time before they found something that worked. I also have pain due to the nerves dying in my feet,which come from the RLS, so I have to take pain med's as well. It is a terrible disease to have. The med's do make you sleepy. Be sure and go to a neurologist as they deal with that type of illness. I'm very lucky to have found a great Doctor. Good Luck |
User: June C.
Member since: 11-19-2005 Total posts: 1 |
From: sewingrandma
Date: 11-19-2005, 10:46 AM (22 of 41)
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I haven't really paid attention to what brand of soap that are being used. One friend said she used Dial. HTH.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: albertagirl
Date: 11-19-2005, 12:54 PM (23 of 41)
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Hi. I suffer from restless leg syndrome. I was diagnosed two years ago at the same time i was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. During testing over 5 hours of sleep my muscles moved over 700 times!!! My sleep therapist ordered me to take Mirapex. It really helps but if not taken at the same time every day the symptoms return. We call it Jimmy Legs from Steinfeld. My two sisters also suffer but can control it by taking aspirin. Mirapex is a drug given to people with Parkinson Disease. Not only do my legs jump but also my arms. It can be very irritating. Sometimes if i have forgotten pills it becomes almost violent shaking. Hope this helps other sufferers. |
User: albertagirl
Member since: 11-19-2005 Total posts: 4 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 11-19-2005, 01:53 PM (24 of 41)
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Saw that ad again this am.. It is for a prescription drug .. Name is Requip.. Said it was for people who had problems -- days out of a month.. I think the number was 16 or something, but not sure.. I guess you could google 'Requip' if you need to know..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: debsews
Date: 11-19-2005, 05:40 PM (25 of 41)
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http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/21/183.cfm I googled RLS and natural healing and came up with this. I have this occasionally and different things have worked at different times. Sometime Ibuprofen, or magnesium or half a peanut butter sandwich. It's crazy. But be careful with the magnesium. Don't take more than the recommended mg per day and be sure you know all the sources you're getting it from. I take a multi and a couple of other things that have magnesium in them so I have to add that all up with adding more. It's an individual thing I think with many things that work. Good luck |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: Shellymoon
Date: 11-19-2005, 09:28 PM (26 of 41)
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DH has this dreaded RLS junk. He has been taking neurontin before bed for about the last six years. It does wonders. However, there is still the occassional night that even that doesn't work. But, it's nothing like what we were going through before. Poor guy, he also has sleep apnea and has to use a CPap machine. But, now everyone's getting a good night's sleep!
Shelly Moon
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User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001 Total posts: 240 |
From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 11-19-2005, 10:59 PM (27 of 41)
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Welcome to the group June! Someone help me out here.....is RLS the same thing as this: You go to bed and are laying there and right before you fall asleep you jolt?? This happens to me quite abit! Reading the other post it sound more like your legs are constantly moving around. That would prevent a person from sleeping! I would for sure seek medical assistance for a problem that was keeping me from sleep. mgf~ 
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
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From: mamahoogie
Date: 11-20-2005, 03:59 PM (28 of 41)
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Nope, not the same thing. I get that jolt once in awhile too and asked my doctor about it and he brushed it off. Said it happens to most people at one time or another in their life and it is nothing to worry about....so I don't worry about it. Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 11-21-2005, 07:44 AM (29 of 41)
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I'm always falling asleep and dreaming when I get that jolt. I misstep and fall off a curb or something and instead of twisting my foot like I expect I wake up. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 11-21-2005, 08:19 PM (30 of 41)
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I've done that jolt thing just while almost falling asleep, where you dream you are falling or something - it's actually kind of funny when it happens. But RLS can happen awake or asleep, it just seems to be worse at night. There are times I know its going to be a bad night because I can feel the nerves starting their 'thing' its hard to describe but its like they are starting to vibrate or something. Tried the soap in the bed last night, woke DH up at 4:30am. Didn't wake myself up this time at least. Even sitting here now, my feet twitch involuntarily. I know regular exercise helps, and I have been lax at that lately. I'm going to take a number of your suggestions to my Dr and see what she thinks. Thanks for all your input everyone!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Magot
Date: 11-26-2005, 05:16 PM (31 of 41)
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Just before you fall asleep your body relaxes a tny amount. I can often tell I am about to drop off because the muscles that hold the hairs of my arms all relax and the hairs all move and then I'm asleep. I believe the jolt thing is the same thing - your body relaxes infintisimally before you fall asleep and your brain misinterprets the signal and whacks you awake - as you are so close to rem sleep it is often accompanied by the feeling of falling. Our mind puts a picture of the falling in our heads, off a kerb, down a step, things we are used to. One thing I have noticed (and my daughter as well) is that when I am nearly asleep if I hear a sudden noise I get a flash of white light across the inside of my eyelids. A signal input from on sense is interpreted by the brain as an input from another sense organ. Wild thing the brain! love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: DorothyL
Date: 11-26-2005, 07:35 PM (32 of 41)
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I dream to the music on the radio when I am dozing off. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Magot
Date: 11-27-2005, 03:10 AM (33 of 41)
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Interesting thought Dorothy - can you control what you dream according to the mood of the music? Lucid dreaming is weird. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: DorothyL
Date: 11-27-2005, 08:24 AM (34 of 41)
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No Jan, it is more like the music controls me through the dream. But I'm not completely asleep so I know what is going on but my mind wanders. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Donaburd
Date: 12-18-2005, 01:13 AM (35 of 41)
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I had that Laura and it almost drove me nuts for a couple weeks!! My doctor perscribed Quinine pills to take at bedtime and after couple days I've never had it again. There is no side effects from them either. Now I just try to drink a glass or two of tonic water with quinine every day. You might ask dr. about this. It sure cured mine. Donna
Donna
http://community.webshots.com/user/donaburd |
User: Donaburd
Member since: 12-15-2005 Total posts: 38 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 12-18-2005, 10:45 PM (36 of 41)
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Isn't quinine the stuff you take for malaria?? I am happy to announce though that we got a new king sized memory foam bed on Thursday and even though I've woken myself up once over the weekend, DH hasn't felt me moving around at all, it's almost a miracle!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 12-19-2005, 04:24 PM (37 of 41)
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My DH also has RLS and has been on Mirapex for over a year now, it seems to control it fairly well but sometimes he thinks that the pills acutally brings it on. There is a bad side effect with this stuff and believe me I can vouch for it. It causes people to gamble!!! How's that for a mind blower? When I first read this in the paper I thought it was a bunch of bull, but let me tell you from personal experience it isn't. I personally think your personality has to be the kind that can be addicted to things and his Doctor agrees with me as he read the same article. I'm glad someone started talking about this as it has given me other names of drugs to give to his Doctor to get him off mirapex. Thank you all for dicussing this , it gives me hope. THIS IS NOT A STORY, THIS IS THE REAL THING! |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: Magot
Date: 12-19-2005, 04:39 PM (38 of 41)
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My MIL and FIL have a glass of Indian tonic water a day to stop the night time cramps in the legs and it works for them a treat! Nice easy solution.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: bridesmom
Date: 12-20-2005, 04:35 AM (39 of 41)
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Jan - what is Indian tonic water?? Woody, now after reading your post, I understand why I got nightmares when drinking Tequila! Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Donaburd
Date: 12-21-2005, 11:54 AM (40 of 41)
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Yes Laura, quinine is what is used for malaria. Dr. mentioned that when he gave it to me. It's great to take for leg cramps which I've been getting again alot at night, I think because of all the extra running around I'm doing these days.
Donna
http://community.webshots.com/user/donaburd |
User: Donaburd
Member since: 12-15-2005 Total posts: 38 |
From: Magot
Date: 12-22-2005, 02:58 AM (41 of 41)
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It's the tonic in a Gin and tonic - Indian tonic water is so called because it has - you guessed it - quinine in! Used to be drunk back in the colonial days in India as a treatment for malaria. (thereby she ties all the threads together nicely) love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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