Glucosamine

[margaretjo]

I know this is slightly off topic but i wondered if any of you took glucosamine. Why im asking is ive just started taking it (after checking with gp) as i have osteoarthritis in many joints and it was recommended by a friend but since ive started taking it my joints seem to be worse. I dont know if this is a temporary side effect or maybe just coincidence but i wonder if anyone had any experience of it . Thanks

[margaretjo]

Yes and Lupus. I was diagnosed about 20 years ago

[Kentish_Man]

I tried Glucosamine for my arthritis and found that it made them worse rather then better. Both my GP and Pharmacist advised me not to take it, but I am prepared to give most things a try if I feel that it can do me some good. How wrong was I and I will listen more attentively next time they give me some advice.

Of course, different pills/drugs can work different ways with different people. It just was not right for me !!

[ledlegs]

Hi Margaretjo I have been taking Glucosamine for about 7 years now because I have osteoarthritis in my back (as well as APS) I must say it has improved my pain immensely and I would recommend it to anyone. It does take about 3 months for it to start working though so it's up to you whether or not you keep taking it.

[GinaD]

I have OA and finally had to have my hip replaced this past winter. This coming winter I may have to have surgery on my opposite knee. I tried glucosamine/chondroitin but at the same time I also upped my fish oil dosage (with care due to interactions with warfarin,) topical NSAIDs, and others on a trial basis. It is hard to control for fluctuations - weather, moods, stressors, activity level, temperature -- to establish what works and what doesn't. After years and years I find that the oral glucosamine/chondroitin doesn't make much difference for me -though it does for others! Because the knee joint does not have the amount of tissue density above it I find a lot of relief from topical creams on my knee - though it didn't help the hip much because no matter how hare I rubbed it couldn't get it down there. Blue emu cream, which is a hippy/alternative med stuff which was borrowed from Australian native medicine, does help my knee. A lot! And it does have natural lubricants which again, do seem to help.

But the biggest help I have had to cope with OA has been physical therapy -- learning how to move, and how not to move to support and strengthen effected joints.

Good luck!

[margaretjo in reply to GinaD]

Thanks I use transvasin cream which i get on prescription as it is not antiinflamatory.

[margaretjo]

I totally agree but as yet im not sure if it is working. My left knee in particular is very troublesome but ive a feeling ive damaged it. Ive to see my gp on wednesday so hopefully i'll know something more after that. Thanks for the reply and the link

[daisyd]

I found glucosamine worked for me , but stopped taking it because I think it is contraindicated ?

With Warfarin, I might be wrong