Glucosamine seems to be helping

I recently started to supplement my protocol with around 1000mg of Glucosamine (HCL or Hydrochloride) daily.

For three weeks now, without any other major changes to my diet, I've noticed a significant decrease in my overall pain, specific to my knees. It is not a huge decrease, just around 10-20% less pain, but certainly enough to notice.

Anyone else experience this? Also, I was told to avoid the sulfate-type Glucosamines, so is HCL a good alternative?

My knees feel better with MSM. I use the powder and mix it in water and sip on it all during the day. It gives water a little sulfur taste but I got used to it rather quickly. It was a definite help for my knee pain. I have horrible osteoarthritis.