Is all glucosamine the same?

GardenerJames

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2006

Posts : 616

Posted 4/5/2008 9:58 AM (GMT -6)

Hi, I've been having some pain in my left hip, knees and back and am planning to start glucosamine.
Are there any brands and or dosages that are recommended?
James

quincy

Elite Member

Joined : May 2003

Posts : 32238

Posted 4/5/2008 10:36 AM (GMT -6)

I haven't a clue...but you should for sure check what else is IN the formula you're considering...what the source is..etc.
Do the research on the internet.

It's hard on the tummy.

There's also MSM....I tried it, can't remember why I'm not taking it tho.

Have you considered Bromelain? It's a digestive enzyme..but I did take it for a while and my left ankle pain improved as well as the general aches and pains. Could be coincidence, but maybe something to consider. You'll be a good subject since your pain is new.

q

Old Hat

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Joined : Feb 2007

Posts : 5313

Posted 4/5/2008 4:20 PM (GMT -6)

With the approval of my gastro, who subspecializes in IBD treatment, I take one tablet daily of chain pharmacy brand glucosamine 500/chondroitin400-- nothing else added to it. It has definitely helped my knee flexibility. I noticed an improvement about 6 weeks after I started taking it. When I mentioned that to my internist, the internist replied that most patients report it helps the knees moreso than hips or other joints. I've been taking a daily multivitamin with increased D (500 mg) in it since October, and THAT seems to combat my hip pain. My gastro has a lot of confidence in vit D as a help to IBDers. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 Colazal daily for maintenance of remission)

GardenerJames

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2006

Posts : 616

Posted 4/5/2008 5:51 PM (GMT -6)

I decided to try Glucosamine sulfate 1000 mg from Nature's Bounty, Now I just have to be patient and see if it works!
James

dakotagirl

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2006

Posts : 3402

Posted 4/5/2008 6:25 PM (GMT -6)

Please let us know how it goes! I've always been afraid to try it - having once heard that it wasn't good for peeps with bowel issues or NSAID sensitivities. That was several years ago and hopefully wrong...

I hope it helps!

elephantlover

Regular Member

Joined : Mar 2008

Posts : 56

Posted 4/5/2008 9:05 PM (GMT -6)

My Gi told me no nsaid's at all. Took me off Naprosyn which was helping my back some and other aches. And put me on percocet's instead. Having a hard time figuring these Dr's out. Good luck and hope you feel better

pb4

Elite Member

Joined : Feb 2004

Posts : 20577

Posted 4/5/2008 9:33 PM (GMT -6)

NSAIDs will promote bleeding in the bowels and any good GI will inform their patients of this.

:)

GardenerJames

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2006

Posts : 616

Posted 4/5/2008 11:06 PM (GMT -6)

is glucosamine considered an NSAID?

quincy

Elite Member

Joined : May 2003

Posts : 32238

Posted 4/6/2008 1:07 AM (GMT -6)

No it's not James.

I just found this interesting article that might be helpful.

http://www.glucosamine-arthritis.org/glucosamine/glucosamine-NSAIDS.html

q

jujub

Elite Member

Joined : Mar 2003

Posts : 10421

Posted 4/6/2008 8:38 AM (GMT -6)

I know a lot of people who swear by glucosamine, hope you have the same good results. It made me itch so much I had to stop it after two weeks, but I've never heard anyone else complain of that.

GardenerJames

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2006

Posts : 616

Posted 4/6/2008 8:46 AM (GMT -6)

Thanks Heather, that was a very interesting read. Might have to experiment a bit, I looked at the page comparing a few different brands, but got a sneaking suspicion that it was all paid for by the makers of Flexicose, which it is. Still seemed like good info about glucosamine though.
James

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