Glucosamine and chondroitin whilst bf?

[Montifer]

Over the last few months the joints in my hands have become sore and don't feel as strong as before.
I should probably pay my GP a visit but wondered about trying glucosamine and chondroitin supplements in the meantime.

Are they are OK to take whilst bf?

[laneyjay]

See your GP. Pain in your hands especially wrists, thumb, index and middle finger can be linked to carpel tunnel which is not uncommon in pregnancy and afterwards. If it is this, not sure if if glucosamine and chondroitin would help. I saw a physio and was given some exercises and splints to wear which did help and gradually my hands have improved. Dd is 10 months now. Hope that might help.

[Montifer]

Thanks, you're right, I should go to GP before starting (self prescribed) treatment.
Before DS I went to the surgery maybe once every 5 years, now I feel like a monthly visitor.
Have just failed to open a jar of pickles and now hands are hurting again, very annoying - will phone for appointment in morning

[IsItMeOr]

Hi Montifer - fwiw, my hands ache, and so do DH's. DH asked GP about this when he was there for something else, and apparently it is very common with a new baby around. I know that I am putting weight on my hands differently than I would ever have done before I had DS - particularly when BFing now that he is getting heavier and stronger.

[Montifer]

Interesting, DS (15 months) is and always has been a big baby, thankfully he's walking now so hopefully my hands might get a bit of a break - although that's probably wishful thinking!

Did you do anything to relieve your hurty hands?

[IsItMeOr]

Not done anything yet - I was thinking of asking you to let me know if you find anything that helps! DS is only 6 months and not a great sleeper, and it still feels like I don't know whether I'm coming or going most of the time, so I have merely observed the phenomenon (ditto the dust around the house...).

[Montifer]

Right then, I'll endeavour to get to the GP this week and see what he says and will let you know.

I suspect I'll be back at some stage with my original question as GP isn't the most bf friendly Dr, when DS was 16 weeks old and I attended with suspected thrush he said "Well you've done 3 months bf so you'll be thinking of stopping soon"

I recall a site which has a useful list of various drugs and bf compatibility but can't find it - anyone??

[IsItMeOr]

Is it kelly mom??

[IsItMeOr]

Glucosamine mentioned here

[Montifer]

Thanks IIMO

[UndomesticatedGoddess]

Montifer there is only evidence to support the use of glucosamine in osteoarthritis of the knee.

Your symptoms don't really sound like osteoarthritis which tends to affect larger joints as we get older from wear and tear.

Get yourself to the docs who can have a proper look at you.

(not worth spending money on something that is unlikely to help)

[IsItMeOr]

That's good to know UndomesticatedGoddess, as our vet has just prescribed glucosamine enriched food for our cat who has arthritis in her knees .

[NellyTheElephant]

I have some problems with arthritis which I was discussing with my GP just a couple of days ago. He suggested I start taking glucosamine, but said not to start it until I had finished bf.