Crowe
Billerica, MA USA
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I've just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hands. Although painful at times it's not at a stage that requires meds like Celebrex (nor can I take them because of my heart) so the doc suggested glucosimine/chondroitin supplements. However, I was not given a dosage amount. Is there a set dose? Does age factor in (I'm only 47)? These are questions I thought about when it was too late and I figure I'll get an answer here quicker than from the office!
* This post was
edited 07/12/08 10:56am by Crowe *
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susan-y
North Bend Oregon
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I have had shoulder pain (rotator cuff) since the late 80's. My chiropractor recommended Glucosamine (750mg) Chondroitin (600mg)about 1995. I take two pills a day for a total of 1500/1200 mgs don't have shoulder pain but it will come back if I forget to take them.. I hate to take pills but these are worth it!
I saw a shoulder specialist a couple of years ago and he asked about my pain. I told him I was taking the Gluc/Chon and he said he had heard several good reports on it from other patients.
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bamcote
Freedom NH to Crossville TN
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I've taken two to three tablets daily and you do notice a difference in your mobility and flexibility. If I squat down to check something in the oven window, my knees no longer crackle and it's easier to stand back up! I recommend them.
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emzee
california
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make sure you don't have allergies to shellfish. i would love to try them but they say people with allergies to shellfish shouldn't.
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Joy
Henderson KY 42420
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Don & I use them - they do help us. It takes a few months sometimes for the effect to be noticed so don't quit too soon. Don's Dr. recommended taking them. You can get them at Wal-Mart or any drugstore. The suggested dosage is on the label - you may have to experiment to find your best dose, but we each take 2a day (1500 mg of glucosomine, 1200 mg chondroitin total dose). That is what the Dr recommended. There are some who are not helped but I can tell the difference if I skip them for very long (I hate to take pills, too!!)
See ya' down the road!
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dbbls
Missouri
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I take the triple strength, two a day, and it does help.
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The Texan
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Joy gave some very good information about the desired effect taking 6 to 8 weeks to notice. Another problem is that if you decide to get off them, after a year or longer, the withdrawal can be painful for a couple of weeks, until your body adjust. I used them for about 4 years before the Dr put me on Celebrex and they do work in the dosage mentioned.
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wtravlr1
Palm Harbor, Flordia, and Geneva-on-the-lake, Ohio
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I get mine though GNC and they have helped with my knee pain. but it does take time to work.
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djevans
Tennessee
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I think it's been about 14 years or so that I have been taking those two plus MSM. They definitely seem to help. I think the MSM IS a type of fish cartilage. I would check with a physician if you have any allergy to shell fish. I was able to drop Celebrex using these OTC tablets.
My physician said that she felt it would be almost impossible to overdose on Glucosamine and Chondroitin in even 2 or 3 times the recommended levels. I didn't think to ask her about MSM.
From "about.com"
What is MSM?
Other names: methyl sulfonyl methane
MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane) is a compound found naturally in foods such as cow's milk, meat, seafood, fruits and vegetables.
MSM is thought to work by contributing sulfur. It's found in capsule or tablet forms. MSM is also available as a cream or lotion, although evidence suggests it can't be absorbed through skin.
Why Do People Use MSM
Osteoarthritis
Two small studies suggest MSM may reduce osteoarthritis pain. MSM is often combined with glucosamine in commercial arthritis products. It's thought to work because of the sulfur, which is believed to strengthen collagen. More evidence is needed.
Interstitial cystitis
MSM has been proposed as a treatment for interstitial cystitis, although human studies are needed.
Snoring
One small, preliminary study found that MSM resulted in quieter snoring.
Other Conditions
MSM has been explored for cancer prevention, scleroderma, allergies and constipation.
Side Effects and Safety
Side effects with MSM are rare but may include stomach upset, headache and diarrhea. One study suggested MSM was safe for up to 12 weeks.
The safety of MSM in pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with liver or kidney disease, however, isn't known.
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RicJones
So. Cal.
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A number of people I know swear by it, but, it could take as much as a couple of weeks before you start to see results. SAM-E also works well. I was in a study comparing SAM-E to Celebrex and both worked well though SAM-E took about a month to start working. SAM-E is sold over the counter.
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