Cats claw

[Lochy]

Has anyone got any experience of cats claw supplement? I believe it’s recommended for arthritis type conditions? I have had ongoing issues with my knee becoming painful and swollen and thought I might give it a try instead of increasing my steroid dose. Currently on 8mg of prednisolone and 5 years into this journey so very happy to try alternatives to the drugs that are offered to me. Just started sulfasalazine a few weeks ago but am experiencing nausea, urgency for the toilet, some headaches and now a dry cough. Hoping the herbal stuff might help!

[piglette]

If you are having trouble with sulfasalazine I would ask for a different DMARD. You should not really be using steroids to help your arthritis, talk to your GP if you have knee problems or you could always try cat's claw as a trial, it is a South American plant I believe.

[Lochy in reply to piglette]

I have been diagnosed with PMR but as we all know that is a pretty vague diagnosis for some of us. I responded positively to steroids hence the medics still have me in the PMR box. My right knee in particular has swollen and become very painful and debilitating on a few occasions and I have had fluid removed and a steroid injections. My general aches are mainly controlled by 8mg steroids at the moment but my rheumatologist believes I have some form of inflammatory arthritis hence I’ve tried leflunomide , hydroxychloroquine and now sulfasalazine. I’ve never been able to get below 6,5 mg hence the other drugs being introduced. Not sure any of them have much impact hence my exploring natural supplements in more depth. I already take vit D, vit K2, omega 3, selenium, a vit b complex and vit C so I am rattling around! I’m now trying to do everything to support myself with an excellent diet.

[SnazzyD in reply to Lochy]

Gosh, you have a lot to deal with. I found without any other complications and GCA only, that reducing at low figures caused a fair bit of general aches and pains. This was worst in the shoulders, when my adrenal function was low and between 7mg-5mg. How have you tried to reduce below 6.5mg?

[Lochy in reply to SnazzyD]

Sadly never tried below 6.5. Knee flared and that put an end to that. At that dose my shoulders would be achy around my rotator cuff. Increased the dose to 11mg which helped a bit but didn’t take away the knee pain or swelling completely. Only the steroid injection achieved that.

[piglette in reply to Lochy]

I tried Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy which uses injections where they take out my blood, treat it and then inject it into me again. I thought it had not worked but after six months I realised I suddenly felt fine.

[SnazzyD]

Hello there. Is it clear what is going on with your knees exactly? Is the PMR affecting anywhere else? I found this which you may have done already. Possibly useful supplement but there is a list of contraindicated medications and it might be a problem with your other drugs

healthline.com/nutrition/ca...

[Lochy in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks for that. I had already found that link but as some sources suggest it stimulates your immune system and I wondered how it will affect me as I take prednisolone to suppress my immune system! Mind you I have now tried so many ‘official’ drugs which don’t have much effect that something ‘natural’ may help!

[SnazzyD in reply to Lochy]

Is the PMR just in the knees?

[Lochy in reply to SnazzyD]

It seems to have manifested itself in my right knee! Have had MRIs of both knees and apart from the swelling knees are pretty good for age and stage. Nothing mechanical was identified as needing attention. If I can control the swelling my knees are ok. No other effusions in any other joints. All a bit odd hence why they keep offering me other drugs. When my knee is flaring I will willingly accept any drug as it is so debilitating.

[Longtimer]

My Rheumy recommends turmeric....my son and his wife with OA swear by it.....

[Lochy in reply to Longtimer]

Yes I’ve tried turmeric for a few months but didn’t notice a big difference. Perhaps I have to try it again and perhaps when my knee is actually flaring. I drink turmeric tea daily too, mainly because I really enjoy it.

[MusicMachineMan]

We recently started taking Devils Claw to see if it helps with aches and pains. I cant say it noticibly has. Dunno if its the same thing with a different name

[Lochy in reply to MusicMachineMan]

Not sure will look into that.