Glucosamine sulphate and Chondroiton sulphate supplement tablets

[tristin]

Hi Good People,

I have been taking a supplement with Glucosamine sulphate and Chondroitin sulphate and finding it helpful. When I ran out I started doing some research and found the tablets only contained half the recommended dose. Changed to another product from an Australian vitamin company that had the recommended levels of both. The product is specifically for joints to protect cartilage and increase mobility. Within 4 or 5 hours pains, stiffness and numbness seemed less and by end of day 2 they have greatly diminished.

I should state clearly that I have been gradually improving for the last few months with normal non RA blood tests levels except CRP ( but still reduced from before). My pains and difficulties have been nothing like the suffering of some that I read within this forum. I take MTX and Sulphazine.

Anybody else had good experience from supplements with Glucosamine and Chondroitin?

I have purposefully left out details of the supplement to avoid issues of 'giving medical recommendations' or 'product selling'. I'm in Australia so time difference means I cant respond promptly and tomorrow is ANZAC day. 'Lest we forget'

[Blackwitch]

I think the research shows that these supplements are a waste of money because it has not been proven that they work. However, I started taking this when I was first diagnosed. The reason I started was on the recommendation of someone I knew who said it worked for him. He got it from a stable he worked at as it was so cheap for horses! (He bought huge tubs & just sprinkled it in drinks). He was told it worked miracles on racehorses!!! I must admit I didn’t find it helped me but I know it works for some. Everyone is different. Animals? I don’t know but the owner obviously thought it made a difference.

I once attended a chiropractor regularly & was having difficulty deciding if it worked. One day, whilst I was in the waiting room, a woman brought a spaniel in who was literally screaming with pain. It took the chiropractor only a few minutes to manipulate it’s back & hips & the spaniel was up & wagging his tail. I couldn’t believe it. He was amazing. Again, I know chiropractic works but I couldn’t justify the cost.

Hope you find the best dose for you & have a good ANZAC day. 🙂

[tristin in reply to Blackwitch]

Thanks for reply Templeof Doom.

I too am sceptical about most things especially 'cures' and also my own assumptions and beliefs. So did a bit more reading. From Arthritis Australia Foundation: Glucosamine is produced by the body as a building block of cartilage to protect ends of bones allowing free movement. Chondroitin naturally found in body and draws water and nutrient into the cartilage to maintain spongyness (condition of synovial fluid) and allowing free movement. So this seems highly relevant to my RA joint pains and stiffness.

There seems to be growing evidence of effectiveness and usage of Glucosamine and Chondroitin. The Arthritis Australia (and others) mention G & C sulphate supplements being as effective as Celebrex on knee Osteoarthritis. Other 2011 research discusses significant improvement in pain and function with hand OA. Others discuss no effect above placebo effect. A few research papers state how improvement was sometimes noticed in 2 to 4 hours while others talk about months before any improvement.

All I know is on day 4 this particular supplement tablets is working wonders for me in combination with Rheumatologists prescribed MTX, Plaquenil and Panafcort.

[Blackwitch in reply to tristin]

Hi Tristin

I hope your day is going well.

I have friends who live in Perth & they tell me that although they have to pay medical insurance, the treatment they receive far outstrips what was on offer in the UK. It’s very much a ‘postcode lottery’ here. Of course, it all depends which government is in control & each party in power blames the ‘other side’ for the present state of chaos.

As for glucosamine & chondroitin, I think you’ve convinced me to have another go! I’m presently just feeling the effects of my latest Depo-Medrone steroid jab which I had on Tuesday & am starting Methotrexate again (this time in injection form) on 3 May. On Tuesday, I attended the hospital in my wheelchair but yesterday I was up & pottering around the house. It makes so much difference. 🙂

[tristin in reply to Blackwitch]

Hi Templeof Doom,

agree with you that quality of medical system is dependant on government type and postcode. In Australia, expensive private medical insurance is a necessity for quality and timely treatment. Good to hear you are up and about.

It would be interesting to hear if others have had experience with glucosamine and condroitin supplements as I am just a beginner guinea pig! I started with one tablet on day one to make sure all OK. 2 on 2nd day. The recommended dose is of up to 1500mg each per day ie 2 tablets per day.

But may stick to one as may have made me go to the toilet 4 times on day 2 morning - but nothing drastic. My tablets cost me $39 AUD for 120 tablets. There are many similiar sounding products. Mine are made by Aussie vitamin company specially formulated for joints.

We are all different and my situation is mild compared to yours.

Best wishes Tristin.

[Blackwitch in reply to tristin]

Hi tristin. I’m sure we all feel like guinea pigs at certain stages in our treatment! 🙄

[Leics]

I was prescribed it when 1st got RA diagnosis it did nothing for me. I took it for well over a month with cod liver oil too the oil not the capsules made me gag. I don’t think it will do you any harm if it works for you brilliant I’m sure everyone who reads your post will hope it carries on 👍.

[tristin in reply to Leics]

Thanks Leics. I too took cod liver oil when first diagnosed and seemed no effect. I have taken it on and off since a child, Nothing helped my RA when first diagnosed except Rheumatologists prescription drugs especially MTX and Panafcort. Maybe certain things are more effective at certain stages. I have been lucky enough to be on improve for a few months. This Joint formulae is probably the right thing at right time and on day 5 still getting noticeably better. Many new exciting understandings and treatments coming out for RA on the road to cure. Just a pity all of us are on this journey.

[Leics in reply to tristin]

Yeah absolutely 🥺. I’ve just commenced on baricitinib (Olumiant) seems to be working so I’m very pleased about that. I’ve spent too many years in dire agony so I’m hoping that this will finally put me into remission. Not there yet but optimistic that there is going to be a change for the better at long last.

[tristin]

Just a follow up after 3 weeks of dailly taking Chondroitin and glucosamine sulphate supplement.

I would have to say my joints feel free to move and no pain. (Slight stiffness in morning but minimal). My wrist which was diagnosed as carpal tunnel has only a faint twinge every so often. This could all be coincidence and a factor of time. I was improving anyway but the rate of improvement has been rapid. I will be taking this till I feel I dont need it. No side effects for me. This Joint Formula I feel works for me. There are many like it but the ingredients read inferior or with some hocus pokus additives.

If I can find some other RAers to try I let you know how they get on.