Has anyone tried the glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM pills and if so how do they work for you?

Haven't tried any of those yet....but give me time!!  Actually like you I went on a quest to find some alternative ways to take care of myself.  Still, I didn't want to jump on any old bandwagon cuz I also know that if you aren't careful you can really hurt yourself.  More isn't always better and "natural" doesn't always mean healthy.  Ex.  Arsenic is totally "natural" but wouldn't recommend trying it, right?  So!  Things I've found so far are Vitamin E but watch your dosage!  Too much can build to toxic levels! Also fish oil and green tea.  Anything else antioxident-ish is good too; Blueberries, pomegranate juice etc. 

I found this resource from The Arthritis Foundation very helpful.  It doesn't poo-poo the alternate approach but also gives "ratings"  as to how effective these methods are based on actual evidence. Check it out and see what you think!

http://www.arthritis.org/at-supplement-guide.php

Last word of advice;  Whatever you decided to take in addition to what you're already on, MAKE SURE you talk to your doctor about it first.  Like I said, some of this stuff can be helpful, some can really mess you up if you don't know what you're doing.  Some can even interact and/or interfere with the effectiveness of you current meds.  So by all means, find what works for you just be cautious.  And then....tell us what you find out!!  : )

I used to take that combination of substances in one pill with the hope that I would benefit from them, based on the manufacturer's claims.  But I must confess that after taking them for over six months, using three different brands, it was not working at all for me, so I discontinued them.  I can not say that it is an unsubstantiated claim, since some other people apparently benefit from taking them, but I am not ready to recommend it to anyone. 

Check out this post from a Health Central site:

http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoarthritis/c/23101/29768/boswellia

Boswellia, as well as anti-inflammatory enzymes, might help:

http://www.buyenzymes.com/t-wzjointhealth.aspx

http://www.buyenzymes.com/pc-158-10-joint-health.aspx

I have not taken the plaquinel or metatrexate. I did see a Ruematologist and I have RA. I have been taking supplements for 1 1/2 years.  I did lots of searching on line. I make a super shake in the a.m. that strengthens me and relieves a lot of pain. I take various herbs and supplements every day. I have taken gucos/ condr. by Jarrow. I took it in the a.m. with a digestive enzyne. But Cosomiine  DM seems to get great reviews by everyone I have spoken with.  Expensive but produces result in Osteoarthritis patients. Aloe vera Juice is anti inflammitory, Boswella, Pomegranate capsules too. I like a product called Arthred, I use half a scoop. Just Barley Barley green Juice powder can be put in a shake with aloe vera juice  and spirolina powder. Hydroplenish which is Hyalauronic acid, 2 capsules 1-2 times a day got rid of fluid on my elbow. Glucos/cond are sugar and sulfer that are precurser to hyalauronic acid. I take lots of stuff. I also stretch in the shower when my muscles are warm. I  also use rubs and oils. Tiger Balm linament is oil of wintergreen which reduces pain and inflamation, very different from regular tiger balm. On line you can order maharanan oil. Look under aruvedic oils. It smells good and stops pain, warm the containor in dish of warm water and use on all joints.

I would suggest that you find a  Dr. who will treat you aggressively and wholistically. The Rheumatologist is concerned with giving you a quality of life. They want you to be able to work and wash the car and hold the baby. It is felt that you may not be able to do that if you take supplements.  The Rhuematologist wants to stop damage to your joints. They feel the drugs that suppress your immune system is the best way to go. You may want to do the medication until you can sort your way through the maze of info on herbs and supplements.

I do get flairs and I do cry and I have some bad days. I have to watch my diet and will react to food and have to elimate any food that causes a reaction. Books to read Autoimmune Epidemic, Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman. You can find him on Utube. After reading the book Autoimmune  Epidemic, I  decided I will do my medical check-up with traditional M.D. And I will then see a Pathologist who teaches at a major university and treat patients using alternative medicine.

googling - Pain Free Rheumatoid. Remissions Rheumatoid. may be helpful.

Conclusion: Best done with guidance if you want to go alternative route. Try to find an M.D. who will treat you alternatively. Check in Health food store or magazine called Alternative Health publishes a book on Arthritis. Gary Null's books have physicians listed in back of book as resources.  

Please feel free to contact me at sharonbgood@mac.com

sharon

I didn't answer your question about msm. It can come from different countries.  It can be contaminated. Brand Pure MSM Powder made in U.S. was fine or investigate on line. Make sure you use powder that has nothing else in it. Use cosamine dm or glucosomine condroidan without MSM. Research dosage online. Look into product called  L Glutamine. It is a powder. Do not allow it to get wet at all. It is great for healing intestines follow directions on the bottle. Use Dandelion tea by Tradional. It stimulates the spleen to to produce bile and gets food to digest. And I also take Astragalus and Unsulphered Black Strap Molasses.

If you are having pain in the long muscles, you'll know what I mean if you are, try Enzymztic K-Mag. Order online it is hard to find in the vitamin stores. It will eliminate the muscle pains in minutes. It is magnesium aspertate, a form of magnesium that was proven to get athletes to perform longer. It basically energizes the muscles. Another product I did not try is Fibroplex by Metagenics. It may work as well or better. it is for Fibromyalgia which is pain in the muscles. 

Joel Fuhrman's book will give you a quick nutrition course.

Be Well,

Sharon 

sharonbgood@mac.com