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Posted 2/13/2015 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone. I'm new to this site. I have been told for the last 5 years that I have RA. I just switched Dr's and with the type of symptoms I have on my hands and him doing an ultrasound, he said that I certainly might have RA on my wrists and elbows, but I clearly display symptoms of OA on my fingers and toes. Well, that threw me for sure. I was wondering what everyone thought about the Gluc/Chon/MSM supplements. Is it helping anyone, and if so, what is the best form to take/manufacturer/pill/liquid/powder, etc. Thanks for your input.
Posted 2/16/2015 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi & welcome. I'm new here too. I'm also newly dx with OA. Mine is in my spine, and branches out from there, because it is causing my spine to curve. My upper right side and my lower left side seem to get the brunt of my pain. I'm not on any of the supplements you mentioned yet. I am waiting to get into a new Rheumatologist in late April.
Posted 2/17/2015 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi , welcome. I am also a new member and have OA in my knees, hip and right shoulder. I do know that RA is different than OA. RA is an autoimmune disease. You can check an ESR, ANA labs to look for autoimmune dysfunction. I do take glucosamine and chondroitin when I can tolerate the large pills,and I do believe they help too. I have not found a good way to take the supplements. I took some drinks but they tasted horrible;(
Do you also have to alter your lifestyle to adjust with your diagnosis?
Posted 2/17/2015 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
Well my labs say that my RA factor is at a 13. I believe I have RA in my wrists, elbows and ankles. I may also have it in my cervical area. I haven't altered my lifestyle. I've been plowing through as best as I can. I am on my computer all day long at work, so constantly moving my fingers. I think that's an ok thing for OA but it's my weekend job that's the nightmare. I work as a garden associate at my local Home Depot and there's a lot of pulling, lifting, pushing and lots of weight too. I've started to cut back my hours there. I'm not taking any NSAID's or pain meds. Just using hot and cold compresses and I love my TENS unit. I'm trying to find out the best Glucos/Chond/MSM supplement to get as there are thousands out there.
Posted 2/17/2015 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
I dont know which glucosamine/chondroitin is best, maybe others on this site might be more knowledgeable in that regard. I do take natures sunshine vitamins, and they seem good.

Have you gone to a rheumatologist? they may want you on some Disease modifying agents, usually called DMARDs for short. good luck to you,take care.

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