Yes. I’m aware. I was diagnosed 12 years ago with an acute, terrifically painful onset in ankles, hips, shoulders, - and hands. The Rheumy then said I had symptoms of RA but large joint areas were more emblematic of PMR. I was sero negative but we agreed to treat as RA and see what happened. So I went home with Humira and it provided dramatic relief.
Over the years, I evolved to sero positive. But I still have large joint involvement as well as more classic RA sites. I have weakness and pain in my hands but virtually no swelling ever and joint damage barely beyond what would be age appropriate. I do have frequent trigger fingers and have had three surgeries to release them.
I’ve been on multiple biologics and am on Remicade for four years now. When I flare - as I recently did with pain in shoulders, knees, ankles and hands - I was given Prednisone to augment my Remicade.

So I stay abreast of both diseases and continue to have symptoms of both.

What you say is true. However, there is nothing that prevents a person with RA from developing PMR. The same is true for people with PMR who also have osteoarthritis. You can have any type of arthritis and still have PMR. It doesn't have to be one or the other.

I was diagnosed with spondyloarthritis at the age of 32. My prior diagnosis did create some confusion when I developed PMR at the age of 52. My rheumatologist eventually just said it was "unfortunate" but I had both.

In my case, PMR exacerbated my arthritis to the extent that I didn't know what was causing what --- it would hurt everywhere. My rheumatolgist called it "systemic inflammation." Another phrase used was a "full range of rheumatology conditions." I personally thought it was a "hybrid of things."

All I knew --- whatever "it" was --- the pain wouldn't stop unless I took a lot of Prednisone for a very long time.

Same info from a doctor in England, so happy to know that there is no permanent damage.