My CRP number has been normal most of the time, with one recent reading of 12. An increase in pred for one week brought it back down. My sed rate seems to be the one that is more important for me. It was 77 at time of diagnosis, stayed in normal range when pred dose was high, but with lower pred dose has been up and down. My rheumy thinks I might have some sort of inflammatory arthritis other than PMR (in addition), which is why I have started methotrexate. After three months it seems to be helping with PMR pain. She told me osteoarthritis is not a disease of inflammation and does not cause elevated inflammatory blood markers. I wonder if anyone on this forum knows more about that? As to a steroid injection, I used to have full-blown osteoporosis, probably caused by a lot of steroid over the years to treat asthma. I currently take an inhaled steroid (fluticasone/salmeterol), which MAY get into the system, as is true with steroid injections. I have tentatively agreed to total reverse shoulder replacement, which supposedly has a shorter and easier recovery time than the traditional surgery. The idea of PMR triggering OA pain makes a lot of sense to me. My PMR pain was bilateral, but my shoulder pain is much more on my right side. PMR pain was always worst in the morning, and my OA pain can be worse in the evening particularly if I have been more active. Sorry to be so long-winded. I really appreciate your replies.