wendydarling, most people with pmr have remission with treatment sometimes over a two year period. Can you self-refer to a rheumatologist.

No, they are requiring a referral but said ANY medical referral would start the ball rolling. Think I might get my dentist to refer me! My GP is acting like the rheumatologist’s gatekeeper!

I was diagnosed with PMR in 2000 and the pain in my entire body was horrible. I couldn’t ring out a washcloth, couldn’t take care of my personal care. My doctor prescribed Prednisone and within 24 hours the pain almost disappeared. I was referred to Rheumatologist who managed my PMR for 3 years. I have been in remission with no residual effects. Prednisone is not good for a person to be on and blood work is done routinely to monitor. You should check with your health insurance and find a Rheumatologist (there don’t seem to be many) and make your own appointment.

I recommend you walk for three minutes every half hour or so. Get some Copper brand, open-toe compression socks, take Alpha-lipoic acid supplements, L-carnitine/arginine, and other non-prescription formulations that others on this site have success with.
The main culprit is sitting. Just keep moving. Cut out carbs and alcohol. My best!

You absolutely should see a rheumatologist. I was diagnosed 15 years ago by my cardiologist. I did some research and living in NY discovered that the Hospital for Special Surgery had rheumatologists who specialize in PMR. I saw him every month for a year for blood work; my inflammatory marker dropped from a hundred to single digits where it has remained. Do see a specialist; don't live in pain. This is a treatable condition.

Could be… all the more reason to see a specialist in that area.. hopefully the logjam will break soon!

Hello @wendydarling, You will notice that we merged your discussion with an existing discussion so that you can meet some of the other folks who are newly diagnosed with PMR. If you click the link below it will take you to the beginning of the discussion where you can read what others have also shared.
-- New to PMR diagnosis: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-to-pmr-diagnosis/

I thought you might also find the video posted by @dadcue in the following discussion helpful.
-- Comprehensive Overview Of PMR: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/comprehensive-overview-of-pmr/

There are so many folks here on Connect that have shared valuable experience and an easy way to find answers for questions you may have is to use the search function with a few keywords related to your question. Here's a sample search using "PMR what helps" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=PMR+what+helps.

You are your own best advocate so I wouldn't hesitate pushing your GP to get a referral to a rheumatologist.