[at-l] glucosamine and chondroitin?

[Slyatpct at aol.com (Slyatpct@aol.com)]

Thanks OB,

Maybe my doctor spoke of taking glucosamine rather than chondroitin.  

Not sure what to think about the NSAIDS, but in the past I've never had a 
problem taking Vitamin I or Napoxen.

Sly


In a message dated 12/13/2004 10:12:21 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
thornel@attglobal.net writes:

> Glucosamine improves function, and occasionally pain. Chondrotin adds 
> nothing, but doesn't appear to hurt anything. The typical dosage is 1500 mg 
> per day, either at once or divided dosages. Cheap is as good as expensive.
> 
> Mobic is a good NSAID. So is Bextra. All NSAIDs have adverse effects. Any 
> of them taken long enough can result in GI bleeds. The newer Cox-2 
> inhibitors at least temporarily reduce GI upset, but do not have the 
> platelet clumping inhibition of Aspirin, and hence may be associated with 
> increased risk of cardiovascular events as compared to other agents. Merck 
> shot themselves in the foot by observing this, hiding the observation and 
> making Vioxx look more dangerous than it was. Among NSAIDs, analgesia is 
> variable, requiring individualized treatment and occasional changes of 
> agents. Some feel change agents every few months reduces adverse effects 
> and maximizes analgesia. Some of these agents can actually block the 
> cardiovascular benefits of Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin) the most well known.
> 
> The general therapy for arthritis is rest, reduction of inflammation, 
> reduction of pain and physical therapy to help reduce risk of recurrence. 
> Conservative treatment involves watchful observation of joint instability 
> and dysfunction, with surgical interventions generally avoided until the 
> doc needs a boat payment.
>