[at-l] Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSN only works for some people (was aging...)

[Carla & Dave Hicks]

Exact reason I started taking them years ago -- a Vet.

At that time my MD doctor was sure that the hype about them was overblown 
laymen's reaction to a placebo effect.

I questioned how animals could have a placebo effect, he said try them, they 
wouldn't hurt.

I think they helped.  I was able to cut down on the frequency of cortisone 
shots.

Now he recommends them to folk, on a "try them, they may help" bases.

And yes, they seemed to help my hands.

Chainsaw

BTW -- I have moderate arthritis and fairly bad bursitis, plus trigger 
fingers, some meniscus damage, soft tissue damage in both ankles, and rotator 
cuff syndrome -- I'm not sure which is/are being helped.  However, I know I 
get around a lot better when I take them and I am not going to do anymore 
experiments going off them to see what happens.

BTW2 -- Am I pain free?  No.  Right now I have a bursitis knot the size of a 
tennis ball on my right elbow and by rotator cuff is acting up.  I wear custom 
orthotics in both shoes, all the time. And, when hiking, custom braces on both 
ankles and a OTC brace on my left knee.  But placebo effect, or not, I'm 
convinced that glucosamine and chondroitin are a key part of what keeps me 
going.  There is no question in my mind that I would not have done my last 500 
mile section hike w/o out them.

BTW3 -- Of course, YMMV, as they do not seem to help everyone.  It may be 
different problems/causes of their pains.  It may be a placebo effect.  But if 
they can "placebo" me into staying active, they are worth the money, IMHO.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "amy" <askowronek at mindspring.com>
To: "lurker" <lurker at ev1.net>
Cc: "At-list" <at-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2006 9:50 PM
Subject: Re: [at-l] Glucosamine, chondroitin,and MSN only works for some 
people (was aging...)



>>
SNIP
But then my large animal vet prescribed joint supplements for my
elderly horse, and he (the horse) went from just standing around
staring off into the distance to raising a ruckus with the younger
horses.  And my small animal vet prescribed joint supplements for my
elderly collie, and she also started moving a lot better.  Neither
one of the animals knew a darn thing about the placebo effect.  So I
thought maybe there was something to it.
SNIP
<<