In truth, I’ve coped with pain for as long as I can remember. Not too long ago, I was able to power through. Grin and bear it – as they say. But, since turning 60, my life had, more or less, ground to a halt.

I guess the ‘elder’ me was worn down by the constant pain over the years. To a point where I not only became housebound, it also robbed me of my entire personality and sent me spiralling into depression.

Years of unbearable pain, burning fire and sporadic swelling in my knees had me in bed most days – and horrible to be around on others.

Then, (what I now know to be), the worst part began. I started to ‘get used’ to it.

I gradually accepted my fate. To be locked in a body that would never work right again. One that would never play golf again ( I used to love golf) – walk in the park with the dog – eat out with friends – or be a ‘proper’ husband to my wife, Sheryl. One that would (and this still chokes me up to this day), be a ‘burden.’

All the plans we’d made together - the retirement future we’d worked so hard for - were ash. I felt so guilty about the effect I was having on the people I love most. And, I was now so reliant on prescribed pain relief that I couldn’t even think properly.

There were days when I wished I could just – be gone.

They say you have to hit the bottom before you start to come back up. I’m not ashamed to say that once I reached this point, it could easily have gone another way. But, I’m also proud to say, I started to fight back.

My best friend, Tom, said that to me in a rage one day. I’ll never forget it. And, I'm glad he gave me some tough love.

With the help of my amazing family and friends, the search for solutions began ...

First, I tried some basic exercises

I read that stretches like heel and calf stretches can help the knees. I felt a difference, but the relief didn’t seem to last long.

I booked a few massages

Of course this felt lovely, and I admit it did relieve a lot of tension in my knees. But they were really expensive - and the relief always fades away as soon as you leave.

I tried turmeric

I followed a few recipes to make a turmeric tea for inflammation. I drank it twice a day as recommended. I can honestly say it didn’t do a thing, plus it tasted terrible.

I tried cortisone shots in my knees

These cost me a lot of money and the intense pain I felt from the injections made me dread going back every few weeks. Clearly this was not a long term solution.

So we chalked up another fail.

But then, something amazing happened. Something that changed everything for me.

I met a man who had the same problem as me, but he had found a solution. A natural solution that restored his joint health, reduced his pain, and allowed him to golf again.

I met him at the golf course one day. He was playing with a group of younger guys who looked like they were having a blast. He caught my eye because he was hitting the ball with such power and accuracy. He looked like he was in his late 70s, but he moved like he was in his 40s. He had a smile on his face that radiated happiness and confidence.

I couldn’t help but approach him after he finished his round. I introduced myself and complimented him on his game. He thanked me and asked me if I played too. I told him I used to, but not much anymore because of my knees. He nodded sympathetically and said he knew exactly how I felt. He said he used to have terrible knee pain too, until he discovered something that changed his life.

He told me his secret was NativePath Collagen.

Mr. Golfing Man said his "secret" was something new that he added to his morning coffee called NativePath Collagen. And that was it. No therapy, no surgery. In fact, he said the collagen has actually healed his knees and his hips!

I was pretty skeptical. A supplement like Collagen? Like 100 different supplements I've seen? No way. I did some research and came across a bunch of positive reviews so I figured what the heck, I’d give it a try…

"NativePath Collagen is designed to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to promote joint and bone health. For best results, take it daily and follow a healthy diet and exercise routine."

According to Dr. Walding, this is what you can expect during your knee treatment with NativePath Collagen.

The first day: Most people notice less pressure and pain in their knees from the very first step. But even though it feels good, you may not want to push yourself just yet.

The next few weeks: After a few weeks of taking NativePath Collagen in the morning, you’ll notice how your knees start to feel comfortable for longer periods of time. You’ll likely start feeling stronger.

After about 3 months: A big change for most folks - You'll likely feel your knees getting a lot stronger at this point. Most users report they can do the things they used to do nearly pain-free.

I’ve personally been using NativePath Collagen since I ordered my own a few weeks after meeting the dancer and finishing the sampler pack. I’ve started playing golf weekly again, and I can take my wife out shopping. I can’t wait for the next disco night in a few months!

Take it from me: this collagen can really help you feel like your old self again.

And then, came the two short lines of proof I needed:

I add this to my coffee each morning. I use the no flavor one. Powder dissolves easily. I have noticed stronger nails. My gut feels better. My hair feels thicker. My joints are less sore.

I switched to this brand of collagen because it was recommended on a natural food site. I am SO glad that I did, I love the 'clean' ingredietns and the fact that it is so easy to use - it dissolves in my coffee in the morning -- making it SO easy to get collagen in my diet. I chose the unflavored because I intended on adding it to drinks - ice tea or coffee, and it really does work perfectly. I would say it tastes great...but there is no taste, which is what I want!

I am 74 years old and figured it was a good idea to take collagen since old people don't produce much if any. I have used it for a while and am satisfied with it! My hip pain is starting to fade.

Dissolves quickly and help with arthritis pain.

I have been taking for 2 years and will from now on. Im 60 and played ball my whole life. Knee, hand , and ankle surgeries. Lived with pain, braces and alot of tape! Not anymore! I take 1 1/2 scoops a day in my coffee. Im a believer!😊

Gotta say I was really skeptical that ANY supplement would help my shoulder and knee pain. I've been taking this stuff for 8 months now and notice a huge difference!! Doctor wanted to send me for knee surgery but so far I've put it off as I've read some horror stories about people suffering even more pain after surgery. This stuff seems to be working well for me for the time being, it's great.