Follow up to my previous question . I also have very low Cortisol. 5.2 so all my inflammatory markers are normal right now but my cortisol looks shot!

Other than an IL-6 level being interesting to know, I haven't had that level checked. I would think an IL-6 level would be useful prior to starting a biologic like Actemra or Kevzara for people newly diagnosed with PMR or GCA. After Prednisone is started, I don't think inflammation levels are very useful unless people think they are having a flare when they attempt to taper off prednisone.

Otherwise, maybe the pain source isn't an inflammatory process in the body; this can occur in conditions like fibromyalgia, where pain is present but inflammation markers remain normal.

I personally think inflammation markers can be normal and you can still have PMR/GCA. However, not every doctor believes this.

A cortisol level of 5.2 mcg/dL may be low, depending on the time of day and other factors. Cortisol levels vary throughout the day, so the time of day when a blood sample is taken is important.

I was scheduled for IL-6 test when I was first diagnosed with PMR. They requested IL-2 and IL-6. Medicare would not cover the IL-6. I dont remember the cost but it was expensive. I already knew I had PMR so I did not pursue it. I have seen on here other messages if someone has ever had the test and I have not seen one. I do not believe its an easy test to perform.