Hi wildflower1948,
I can relate to your confusion, as I went through a phase where I just could not believe that there were no better diagnostic tests than trial and error with different treatments. I've had symptoms for 4 years now. Based on many articles I've read and according to my doctor, if you respond to aspirin, then it is likely primary EM. My doctor had me take 325 mg of aspirin daily for 2 weeks, and it had no effect. So the assumption then is that it is secondary to some other disease or syndrome, which is why it is important to get your blood tested at least annually (I would prefer more frequently).