Sod it! I'm back on the glucosamine.

Your post was very reassuring Anya. I used to take it a while back, and it seemed to help, but then I read, probably not on here, that it was money down the drain (or pan) so I gradually stopped taking it. With increasingly painful joints I think I will give it another go, encouraged by your own findings. Incidentally, I'm impressed with your GP. When I mentioned glucosamine to mine a few years ago he laughed! I'm glad you feel a bit better now.

My GP also laughed and I stopped taking it, as I am in low level pain constantly I will also give it a go.
I did the same thing with Actimel,I had one first thing every morning for many years but again reports said it was useless.
When I had my knee op 3 months ago I had an infection in the scar and had a week on strong antibiotics, within days I had my usual stomach problems, I started on Actimel again, felt much better and am carrying on in spite of the doubters. We do know what works for us.

DH has just started taking it again and says he feels better, so I think it does work Anya, I'm sure it is not just a placebo.

However, I have tried it more than once and it seems to make me feel worse, apparently if you are even a bit allergic to shellfish it can cause a reaction.

Bad day today and I am eying up the Naproxen but the GP said not to take it.

I've been taking it for years. I'm sure it helps.

It's the same with vitamin supplements -whatever the reason they work, they work for me -even my skin is better so I go against best advise and continue to take them. I would do the same for glucosamine if necessary.

If something works for you then it works for you and that is all there is to it. You would be wasting money if there was no benefit in taking it but you have proved to yourself that there is. I hope you are feeling lots better Anya

Glucosamine does not work for me but if it works for you, do take it and s*d what others think.

"Placebo," anecdotal evidence or evidence-based results? Depends on each individual doesn't it?
If it works and does no harm, I would certainly say stick with it!
You may well have the last laugh on the "experts".

Anya; please be careful. You did mention a while back that you had Dupuytrans in your hand.It's a progressive condition that may remain static for years and then suddenly progress very rapidly. The trauma that you had with your fall could trigger this. However, there is a link with glucosamine and Dupuytrans. I took glucosamine for many years, and now have Dupuytrans in my hand and my foot. Even my physio at the hospital didn't know of the link, but the DD Society warn people of it. Perhaps you could try taking turmeric instead which helps with arthritic pain and Dupuytrans. I can't do a link but please google the connection with glucosamine and DD.

If it works for you carry on, in 6 months some experts could say it's the best thing since sliced bread. Same as Statins, yes/no ? I'm on them again but sure joint pain is coming back

Anya are you doing physio exercises with your arms, hands etc since your fractures?

They can be painful to do

Tegan thanks for the warning. I'm aware of the link and that was something else that influenced my decision. But after discussion with GP and weighing up the risk she said it was very small. My hand condition had never progressed and my fingers are fine - apart from the arthritis.
My GP didn't laugh ad she's knocking on a bit a more mature women too and has arthritis herself.
Jalima I'm doing my exercises and I'm very aware what pain is still due to the fracture healing and which due to arthritis. One is definitely improved the other still weak and taking longer to improve.

It doesn't seem to hurt where the fracture was - everything else that was immobile in the plaster seems to hurt though. I must go and do the exercises again (ouch).

How long since your plaster off?

Two weeks, then a boot for the last two weeks which I took off on Monday.
She said I should manage without crutches but I can't, I need the support.

DH and BIL both take glucosamine hyrdrochloride optimum strength.
Both stopped taking it when felt ok but went straight back on it when pain returned.
My BIL is a lorry driver & years of jumping out of the cab has taken toll on his knees.
He is on no other meds. But would not be able to manage with out his glucosamine.
My DH has arthritis in his joints and when the weather is damp it gets worse however most of the time is pain free as long as he takes the glucosamine.

I could try again, if it makes me worse then I will stop - again.

I've been taking glucosamine for years. My knees used to hurt when coming downstairs in the morning but they don't now. Good enough for me !

Inspired by this recent thread I bought some high strength Glucosamine. I bought it in a hurry and didn't get the combination with Chondroitin, but will rectify that next time. My big problem is that these tablets are huge, or else I've got a small throat. I tried cutting them in half but still have a problem swallowing them and the rough edges hurt. I have taken to smashing them with a rolling pin but the taste is unpleasant and I lose some of the tablet. Does anyone know if they come in capsule form? I looked today in H&B and they were all tablets. I'd be grateful for any suggestions.

anya try swisse health, tri flex

Hi Bellanonna I have trouble swallowing the bloody things too.

I eventually discovered Valupak glucosamine/chondroitin 400/100mg which comes in tablet form and which I can manage.

I get it from my small local independent chemist & sometimes she has ordered it specially for me. I've never seen it anywhere else. If you have an independent pharmacy it might be worth asking.
Hope that helps.

Thanks jane. There is one fairly local to me, so I'll give them a try. First time I tried the whole tablet it just wouldn't go either down or back up and it was frightening.
I really want to persevere with this in the light of othe peoples' findings, and to put off the dreaded TKR for as long as possible, Tks again for your suggestion.

Bellanonna, I buy mine in liquid form from Healthspan, and it's really pleasant to take. Like you, I found the enormous tablets so difficult to swallow, and crushing them was even worse!

Oh, I'll look into that Marelli. Liquid would be ideal. I had no idea it came in that form. Many thanks.