Interesting that rheumy’s said viruses might cause the PMR. My rheumy said it isn’t related, BUT, the PMR symptoms started while I had a virus that had me coughing non-stop & freezing for 6 days. I thought all of the joint pain was part of whatever I had caught. But the cough got better & the neck, shoulder, arm, hip pain persisted. When I finally saw my primary 2 months later, he did blood test & diagnosed PMR based on ESR, +ANA, & CRP which were all high. He started me on Prednisine immediately & it was amazingly effective. I felt like a different person in 4 days. I couldn’t get appointment with rheumy for 4 weeks. I was taking 6 extra strength Tylenol arthritis plus ibuprofen daily in the time before starting prednisone & it did help.

Funny thing, rheumy says he isn’t sure of my diagnosis. (?)