Experience with alternatives

Hello, I seem to have developed a problem with my knee. V stiff in the mornings- eases after shower and application of Deep Heat.
Have exercises from local nhs physio dept ( I self referred) which have helped.
Was wondering if collagen ( bovine and marine) has helped anyone? I’ve bought some from Holland and Barrett, quite expensive and yet to try hence the question.
Hope we get some warmer weather soon which might help ease our aches and pains.

That’s one of the conundrums isn’t it, differing ideas

I have osteoarthritis and have had good results from using glucosamine and chondroitin, however my SIL didn't.

After confirming it in a scan I was given a leaflet about arthritis at the hospital. It recommended trying gluscosamine whereas my GP rubbished it.
There are differing views out there.

I buy a good strength and not the stuff avialable in supermarkets.

Cossy

I have widespread osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS & issues with my liver.

I live with constant pain and terrible fatigue, which has led to depression and anxiety.

Til my last child was born in 2002, I was pretty fit and healthy, now I’m a mess, a lots of my conditions seem to stem from an unknown hospital infection in 2002 shortly after my son’s birth.

I’ve tried so many things, with a varying degree of success.

I’ve exhausted a list of “prescribed” painkillers and all of them have dulled pain but have given me chronic constipation.

I once had morphine patches, for a year, they were very good, but the pain clinic decided there was a risk of addiction so stopped them.

I then moved onto legal medicine cannabis, three different strengths of oil, all containing both THC and CBD, however, although this did help with pain and sleeping, I didn’t like the way it messed with my head if I took it every day, so after 6 months this too was “binned”.

I’ve tried private physio (worked well, was painful at times, but have got some great exercises that u can do in bed), but the cost only allowed me a few months.

I also gave both a chiropractor and an osteopath a few months each, mixed results and pretty expensive.

I now rely on massages, hot tub/water therapies, very light exercises, I have a vibration board to try and keep my circulation stable, I try hard to walk, but cannot do much, I’m much much heavier than I’ve ever been and have cut down on many foods and upped fruit and vegs.

To be honest, I’m having a huge crash at the moment mentally and physically.

If you do find something that works, please share and I wish you well.

I'm pretty sure you will have tried these but just in case. B12 tablets taking these to replace 3 monthly injections. Not instant magic but do help with muscle fatigue. Magnesium tablets 1 half an hour before bed. These have given me 4/5 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night, you will know how important that is. Just coming out of latest flare and feeling a bit better. Hope there is some relief for you soon.

Thanks all and let’s stick together and share anything that’s works for us just in case it works for anyone else too

So many of us doing the best we can with chronic health problems

DMSO!

Hi. Do ask for a short Synathen test. Check it out. I have been having health issues like you for years! My cortisol was extremely low. Even dangerously low.
Very poorly at the moment.
It might be something re you or nothing but thought I would mention it.
Bless you. 💐🙏🏻

Cossy

I have widespread osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS & issues with my liver.

I live with constant pain and terrible fatigue, which has led to depression and anxiety.

Til my last child was born in 2002, I was pretty fit and healthy, now I’m a mess, a lots of my conditions seem to stem from an unknown hospital infection in 2002 shortly after my son’s birth.

I’ve tried so many things, with a varying degree of success.

I’ve exhausted a list of “prescribed” painkillers and all of them have dulled pain but have given me chronic constipation.

I once had morphine patches, for a year, they were very good, but the pain clinic decided there was a risk of addiction so stopped them.

I then moved onto legal medicine cannabis, three different strengths of oil, all containing both THC and CBD, however, although this did help with pain and sleeping, I didn’t like the way it messed with my head if I took it every day, so after 6 months this too was “binned”.

I’ve tried private physio (worked well, was painful at times, but have got some great exercises that u can do in bed), but the cost only allowed me a few months.

I also gave both a chiropractor and an osteopath a few months each, mixed results and pretty expensive.

I now rely on massages, hot tub/water therapies, very light exercises, I have a vibration board to try and keep my circulation stable, I try hard to walk, but cannot do much, I’m much much heavier than I’ve ever been and have cut down on many foods and upped fruit and vegs.

To be honest, I’m having a huge crash at the moment mentally and physically.

If you do find something that works, please share and I wish you well.

ROMINO, Hope you don't mind me butting in here.
I commiserate with Cossy too, as I have/had similar conditions and treatments over the years and tried most of these treatments too.

Currently using paracetamol, Ibuprofen (only 1 a day!), medicinal marjuana (in the evenings for pain and sleep), lidocaine patches which don't help some pains, but do help others.

I am trying to walk (difficult and very painful as body still out of alignment) and I do yoga twice a week at a class where I can modify the poses to suit my pain.

I am also seeing a highly qualified masseuse and body alignment specialist too.

Apart from Fibro and Arthritis, most of my pain comes from compressed spine and damage to muscles and ligaments (possibly through years of waiting to get 2 new hips), and fascia to cling to muscles - not allowing stretching and subsequently twisting my whole body.

I hope this might offer some insight and is not too convoluted! Good luck! I feel your pain ROMILO, Cassy and all.

Thankyou all for your helpful comments. I will have a look at the John Mansfield book but my diet is already restricted by being a coeliac so it may be too hard for me.
Cossy you have all my sympathy, I do hope that things will ease a little for you soon.
At the moment I start the day with a hot drink and paracetamol half an hour before I get up, that helps a bit if followed by a hot shower. Most of you will agree first thing in the morning is the worst time. I will try continuing with paracetamol when I have a flare up.
Exercise has always been a bit of a juggling act, too little (by that I mean hardly any) joint pain worse ,too much and the day after complete exhaustion.
It's a strange thing to say but it does help a little to know you are not the only one with similar problems.

Just been reading a study on the effects of hyaluronic acid supplements on joint pain and it would seem to be effective.

I have widespread osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS & issues with my liver.

I live with constant pain and terrible fatigue, which has led to depression and anxiety.

Til my last child was born in 2002, I was pretty fit and healthy, now I’m a mess, a lots of my conditions seem to stem from an unknown hospital infection in 2002 shortly after my son’s birth.

I’ve tried so many things, with a varying degree of success.

I’ve exhausted a list of “prescribed” painkillers and all of them have dulled pain but have given me chronic constipation.

I once had morphine patches, for a year, they were very good, but the pain clinic decided there was a risk of addiction so stopped them.

I then moved onto legal medicine cannabis, three different strengths of oil, all containing both THC and CBD, however, although this did help with pain and sleeping, I didn’t like the way it messed with my head if I took it every day, so after 6 months this too was “binned”.

I’ve tried private physio (worked well, was painful at times, but have got some great exercises that u can do in bed), but the cost only allowed me a few months.

I also gave both a chiropractor and an osteopath a few months each, mixed results and pretty expensive.

I now rely on massages, hot tub/water therapies, very light exercises, I have a vibration board to try and keep my circulation stable, I try hard to walk, but cannot do much, I’m much much heavier than I’ve ever been and have cut down on many foods and upped fruit and vegs.

To be honest, I’m having a huge crash at the moment mentally and physically.

If you do find something that works, please share and I wish you well.

We are in similar pickles Lucky

I too cannot take NSAIDs nor codeine/morphine.

I take 4 lots of paracetamol most days as I do need some relief in order to function.

My DD wants me to try CBD, but this is not compatible with the anti-colagulant I have to take. So ROMILO do check about interactions with any exiting meds before embarking on these alternative ideas.

My Consultant rheumatologist advised me there’s no evidence to support glucosamine and chondroitin as a supplement worth taking.

I have psoriatic inflammatory arthritis, along with osteo. I can’t take nsaids. I find paracetamol x four times daily over a few days does help. I don’t do this often. Stretching exercises and walking help

Arthritis,Allergies, Nutrition and the Environment by John Mansfield is worth a read.
You have more conditions than me, I only have psoriasis and it was much improved by following this diet. John Mansfield was a consultant specialising in Arthritis. He opened a clinic in, I think, Sussex. Not sure if it’s still there.
Anyway as I say it’s worth considering. The diet is hard though!

Didn't want to leave this here.
Hope someone has ideas.