Glucosamine...how well does it work?

[Sunglow21]

I have been taking glucosamine/chondroitin tablets for a little over a month now. I realize it is supposed to take two months before you would notice any results but I was wondering how many people have tried it and it actually worked for pain and imflamation? My doctor says to take them anyway even if no physical help is detected because it has been determined that glucosamine when taken every day can slow down and even stop the progession of this disease. (she also said that no studies have determined the actual benefits of the chondroitin part). I was just wondering what people's opinions are on this? If the person that wrote about it in the "it works for me" section could give me any additional insights and initial response to it I would be grateful too. Take care.
Hugs,
Ali

[lett]

HI,

I have been taking Glucosamine/Chronditin for about two years now. It seems to work..like anything you don't realize it until you stop taking it. I take it three times a day with meals. As far as inflamation goes it didn't help but I am fairly active and my joints don't bother me as much. It can't hurt you. I recommend using it. It is very good for the cartilage. Good luck

[debber_1]

I wondered if they helped thanks for the info!

[neese]

Hi Sunglow, thanks for the post, although I heard of Glucosamine I wasn't aware it had a p. connection.

Is it for psoriasis or psoriasis arthritis?

[kristac1976]

I've been taking it once a day for my PA - I had a swollen right index finger. It helped very much with the swelling, it's barely noticable since I started taking it. And the joints aren't nearly as painful. I don't know if it's all because of the glucosamine/chondroitin pills or also because my PA just decided to ease up on me. I've heard many good things about glucosamine, so I'll keep taking it. Seems to be helping anyway.

[LottieBay]

I took glucosamine/condroitin for about three months before I was able to see a Rheumatologist. I really felt it was helping my knees and hips. My Onchologist said that there was nothing to prove that the condroitin was helpful, but it wouldn't hurt to take it. It is difficult to find plain glucosamine and when you do, it's more expensive, so you might as well take the combo.
When I saw the Rheumy, she put me on methotrexate and told me I could continue with the glucosamine if I wanted to, some people claimed it helped and she had no objections......... Well, I ran out and I thought since she was wishy-washy about it, I'd just discontinue it. That was about six weeks ago, and I think it was a mistake to stop taking it. I'm going to start it again tomorrow. It really did help and as Lett said, you don't realise it until you stop taking it

Margaret

[heps]

Someone had asked way back, how well does Glucosamine work. Well. I'll tell you how well it works for me.
Some time ago about 3 or 4 yrs ago, my dog could not go up & down the stairs & her Vet had prescribed
Glucosamine Sulfate. He said that the Condroitin doesn't absorb as well as the sufate. It sure has helped
her immensly, & when I was diagnosed with having a ruptured disc through an MRI & my Orthopedic doctor
was out of the country I had asked the Vet if it was safe for a human to take & he said yes many take it. So,
I figured if it was good enough for my dog & it helped her, I will take it. I was crippled with my ruptured disc
but I had to do something while the Ortho. Doc was out of the country. I couldn't walk or do any kind of
movements & I slept in my recliner for a month or so. I then decided to take 500 Mg. three times a day.
Since taking it for about 3 yrs. I'm able to be somewhat of a human person if I watch myself. I consider it
my Miracle drug. Of course I also have to take pain medication but for a couple of months till my Dr. returned.
I didn't have any pain medication to take except Extra Strenth Tylenol. My Dr. cannot get over how well I'm
doing with it. She shows my x-rays & MRI to all the Orthopedic doctors being surprised at how well I'm doing
without surgery due to taking Glucosamine Sulfate.

Glucosamine Sulfate has a beneficial effect on inflamation. It maintains viscosity in joints, stimulates
cartilage repair mechanisms & inhibits enzymes that break down cartilage. It's main use is for
Osteo Athritis. It replaces the synovial fluid in your joints. I definitely would recommend it, although I don't
think it does anything for "P"
.

[molly]

Great stuff...It really works on my husband and myself...Worth a try

[tvcats]

I started taking the Glucosamine/Chondroitin about 3 years ago, with the onset of my pa & p. I had already been taking Vioxx for a couple of months and only had minimal relief. After starting the G/C, I noticed a marked improvement in my joint pain within a few days. Coincidence? Maybe. But I have tried to stop taking it since then and ended up going back to it within a couple of weeks.
So, yes -- I think it helps.

[debber_1]

Sounds great ,2 thumbs up!

[heps]

Sounds great ,2 thumbs up!

2 thumbs up?????? Deb, how come you have one thumb down????? LOL

[Cpalucci]

HI! I have been taking it for about 6 months and I can tell the difference! I get it at Costco in the liquid form. I've been told that your body absorbs it better/quicker. The one I get is about $20.00 for the bottle and it also has MSM. You only need to take 2 tbs. and your set for the day! By the way the bottle lasts us about 2months and thats with 2 people taking it!

Check it out it helps me and my husband!

Crystal