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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 2
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Had been having a bad flare for most of October and November and started taking glucosamine and now 10 days later am feeling much better. Is this coincidence or does the stuff work??! I 'd be really interested to know what other people's experience has been.
Thanks very mnuch
Debbie
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 854
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Hi Debbie,
I did try this when I was first inpain, prior to diagnosis and looking for a quick fix. It was at that stage of trying anything alternative rather than go to the GP seeking help. It did nothing whatsoever for me. All that I achieved by trying it was a delay in diagnosis and effective treatment.
That is not to say that it might not do some good if taken in conjunction with prescribed medication but my personal feeling is that something else kicked in which relieved your flare.
Hope that your improvement lasts.
Eleanor x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,582 Location: Oxfordshire
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Hi Debbie,
Yes I would agree with Eleanor. I also thought it was mainly used for OA and not RA.
I do take alot of natural/complimentary meds. The best one is omega 3 and 6 and cod liver oil as both these have proven scientific anti-inflammatory affects.
However I think it is very promising for you if there is an obvious improvement so definitely keep taking it! I really hope it helps you very much.
Much love,
Amanda
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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Hi Debbie
My philosophy is "if it helps you - take it" provided you check with your gp or rheummy that it won't interfere with any of your other meds. Glad it is helping
Love Jeanxxxxx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 2,237 Location: nr Southampton
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i did take it when I was first ill with Zinacin (ginger extract i think) and cod liver oil. None of it worked but it cost me a lot and I burped lovely japanese tasting gingery fish (NICE!  ) If it suits you then fine! Jenni x how to be a velvet bulldoser
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 312 Location: Surrey
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Hi Debbie, I've been taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin ( 1500mg/1200mg ) for at least 14+ years. It's actually prescribed for me! It definitely works for me but I also take MTX and Leflunomide. It won't replace the main drugs but I think it helps. They started using it for OA and then found it does help in RA as well. It helps to regenerate cartilage. Although I think the tests showed you had to be taking it for two years for this to work. I have stopped taking it and found that within about 2-3 weeks I felt worse! As I have said I get mine prescribed and I don't have to pay as I'm diabetic as well. So, in a nutshell, it works for me!!  A friend is someone who knows all about you but loves you anyway!
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,582 Location: Oxfordshire
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That's so fantastic! And prescribed!
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 331 Location: South London
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thats interesting as i now have a prepayment cert if i can get supplements on prescription then it will be free (virtually) I read in the ARC booklet on diet that omega 6 does not help but Omega 3 helps reduce the inflammation. It said that we generally have enough omega 6 in our diets.  There are other natural things that have anti-inflammatory effects but for the life of me I cant remember  Obviously need to sit down and have a rest.  Sorry just love having lots of new smilies  I cant resist trying them! 
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,582 Location: Oxfordshire
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Hi,
That is interesting what you just wrote as very recently a friend who I was chatting to about the diet we follow, advised I change my omega 3 and 6 to pure cod liver oil, ie the liquid form. She is trying to find a purer source in the UK which is not too costly. She suggests 9-12 drops a day which sounds adequate.
Many people with rheumatoid are low in Vit D so this makes much sense.
Much love,
Amanda
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 714
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Hi everyone
My GP has told me to take Omega 3 Fish Oils for the inflammatory benefits and Vitamin D3 as we do not get nearly enough sun. Unfortunately he told me that these are not available on prescription and they are not cheap to buy but anything is worth a go.
Jackie
xx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 312 Location: Surrey
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amanda_lewin wrote:Hi,
. She suggests 9-12 drops a day which sounds adequate.
Hi Amanda, I've taken pure cod liver oil ever since I was diagnosed. I take 20ml every day. I mix it in a little jar with pineapple juice and down it goes. Apparently the pineapple juice has an enzyme in it that helps your stomach. As well as completely disguising the taste of the oil. The only downside of taking large amounts of cod liver oil is that too much Vit. A is toxic to the liver. However those with RA apparently need extra Vit. A. Dr. Darlington at Epsom Hospital put me onto all this stuff ( along with the Chondroitin ) yonks ago! A friend is someone who knows all about you but loves you anyway!
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,582 Location: Oxfordshire
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Hi,
Thank you for this! Yes I agree, it tastes vile but is oh so good for you!
I think the fact we have rheumatoid means we need the extra cod liver oil and apparently one would need a HUGE amount daily for years for it to become toxic..
Pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties doesn't it which is bizarre as it is an acid fruit 'people with arthrits are supposed to avoid at all costs' LOL
I still would love to meet Dr Gail Darlington.
I have decided to cease my Royal Homeopathic visits, btw...
Love,
Amanda
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,740
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on presciption well i never thanks Debbie starting this post i have pre pay certificate to. u have whatever helps u as long as wont comflict with your medication,ive yet to find anything that helps apart from good quality sleep. inkyo7 cuddly cats make my world seem so much more fun
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 89
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Received this today from webMD about Glucosamine, just some info on what it is and how it works: http://arthritis.webmd.c...view?ecd=wnl_art_120409
emilyXXX  .
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 331 Location: South London
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This is all interesting stuff, particularly cod liver oil instead of omega 3 & 6 and the article suggests that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin can ellivate joint pain and restore cartilage. Ok given this I would not mind adding a few more tablets to my daily routine. Next question is branding which is the best, doseage and costs. I have an appointment with my rheumy next week so I will speak to him about it.
Well its sunny where I am - so I am nipping out for 10 mins of Vit D.
Oh a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down, the medicine go down, all toghether now, a spoonful of medicine makes the medicine go down .... in the most delightful way... rock on Julie Andrews :)
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,582 Location: Oxfordshire
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Dear Mari,
I will get back to you regarding the best and purest form of cod liver as I want to switch back to the liquid form.
I have a friend who is investigating this for me as many shops just don't have the purest form and they are watered down and given the expense and how much one requires etc it is imperative to get a good brand.. As usual America will provide I'm sure! LOL
Love,
Amanda
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 331 Location: South London
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Thanks Amanda, much appreciated.
Mari xx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 351
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RedDog wrote:Hi Debbie, I've been taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin ( 1500mg/1200mg ) for at least 14+ years. It's actually prescribed for me! How did you persuade your GP/Rheumy to prescribe it? I used to take it but its so expensive, even when its on offer 3 for 2. If I could get it on prescription then I'd take it again. It took me over 25 years to get a prescription for folic acid with MTX! Carol
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 312 Location: Surrey
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Tabbycat wrote:RedDog wrote:Hi Debbie, I've been taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin ( 1500mg/1200mg ) for at least 14+ years. It's actually prescribed for me! How did you persuade your GP/Rheumy to prescribe it? My Consultant first prescribed it for me all those years ago! She's a lady Consultant and just couldn't do enough for me!!  A friend is someone who knows all about you but loves you anyway!
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 351
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Are you suggesting I dress to impress and voila he'll prescribe?  Carol
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