Joint pain - collagen recommendations while waiting for rheumatology referral

[Slowrunner1208]

Hi, I’m being investigated for Sjorgens Syndrome and have been referred to see a rheumatologist. Whilst I wait the GP has said to try taking collagen for the pain and stiffness in my joints, esp in my hands and toes.

I’ve been researching, there are a lot of products to choose from and it’s not cheap. I’m looking at Bone Balance and wonder if anyone has other recommendations or can share if taking collagen makes a difference?

Thank you and hope everyone has a great weekend!

[greygoose]

How's your vit D? Low vit D will cause joint problems.

[Slowrunner1208 in reply to greygoose]

Hi greygoose Vit D had dropped but on last test in July it had risen and I use Better Me D & K2 spray. 🙂

[greygoose in reply to Slowrunner1208]

Do you also take magnesium? Vit D won't do anything for you unless you take magnesium because the two work together.

[Slowrunner1208 in reply to greygoose]

I do, thanks to all the good advice and knowledge from this wonderful group!

[greygoose in reply to Slowrunner1208]

That's great.

[Hedgeree]

Hi Slowrunner,

I do remember TiggerMe and radd were both using the 'Bone Balance' supplement (hope they don't mind being tagged?)

It was being mentioned on a few posts but it was a few months back (possibly longer?) My memory is hazy! 🤔

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Hedgeree]

BoneBalance is more for osteopenia/ osteoporosis (both of which I thought were painless in the early stages?) as it helps regenerate bone.... for bone pain I'd be more inclined to look at oestrogen and thyroid levels

I've been taking it for a year but just enquired about a Dexa Scan and they only do it every two years....     radd has retested and it has improved her scores... have you been scanned?

Edit... Looking back at your history they dropped your T4 by too much when you started on T3 and this can make you feel awful, I see they have put you back up to 100mcg but I wonder if you still need just a tiny bit more? It will be interesting to see your results once the 15mcg has settled

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to TiggerMe]

I added a bit more of my meanderings above 🙃

[Slowrunner1208 in reply to TiggerMe]

Yes, @TiggerMe I’ll be doing bloods again to check.

I haven’t been scanned. I think the GP thinks Sjorgens because my raynauds has got worse, eyes & mouth are drier than ever and now nose too & the new / different joint pain. May get a scan through Rheumatologist?

🙂

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Slowrunner1208]

I don't know? I paid for a private one as with the NHS you have to fit the criteria to qualify for one at 55... heavy drinker/smoker, obese or previous breaks or fractures 😕

As it turned out my hips were showing up as osteopenia so I took action and I'm intrigued to see where I am now but I'll just have to wait😬

[Slowrunner1208 in reply to TiggerMe]

Good luck with the waiting, one of the side benefits of being hypo is it has improved my patience. Thinking about that really is the only side benefit I can think of 😉

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Slowrunner1208]

I feel like I'm doing something positive at least waiting for hopeful improvement whereas I'd be waiting another 4 years before the NHS would do a scan and I'd likely have a bigger hill to climb or need nastier treatment 🙃

[radd in reply to TiggerMe]

TiggerMe,

A big part of the criteria for DEXA's is family history. Just say your Mother suffered osteoporosis 😉.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to radd]

Seem to remember that only scored a point if they had suffered a fracture or break

[radd in reply to TiggerMe]

Could always include that 😉. Maybe your Grandmother too? 😬

[Slowrunner1208 in reply to TiggerMe]

Thanks TiggerMe that’s useful to know. I’ll do a bit more research before buying anything.

[radd in reply to Slowrunner1208]

Slowrunner1208,

Bonebalance has been great for reversing my osteopenia state but like TiggerMe I'm not sure it will help with joint aches and pains. For those I would be looking at Vit D but I also found curcumin amazing at reducing my inflammation.

We all have different responses to different products and I have found a natural anti inflammatory product called Kapparest that suits me wonderfully. Summer time I'm fine but often winter time (less exercise & lower temps ) it encourages stiffness within my joints.

Also we need stabilised thyroid hormones to support the immune system so any changes when you are vulnerable might increase the risk of a Sjogrens flare. You might find optimised thyroid meds alone help lessen the pain and reduce inflammation.

[Slowrunner1208 in reply to radd]

Thanks radd searching curcumin now 🙂