So sorry to hear about your wife, tuckerp. You were together, not only for such a huge part of your lives, but also began your journey as kids. I can only imagine the impact of this gut punch and life-altering loss. I'm moved by what's between the lines. Sounds like yours was a good marriage. My sympathies.
About exercise, I echo your sentiments. I can't tell you many times I've said the same thing to others:
"Working out has saved my life."

Interesting PMR journey. Nothing vaguely interesting about PMR unless you don't have it. I did not take steroids with my bout (began early '24) but it did abate in about 10 months. Unfortunately, the Baker's cysts come and go still and are very painful. Right now, I'm also experiencing a bit of a PMR flare but if it gets no worse than this, I consider myself lucky. It's great that the predpak helped you! Hope you're done with PMR but seems like for some of us, it sits there, like a tiger, waiting to pounce.

I'm also interested in the repatha! Also have genetic high chol and have been taking first Lipitor, than generic, for decades. Have you had any side effects with repatha?

Sounds like you're doing a great job of taking care of yourself. I had the same run.........basically excellent health till a hit in my early 60's which didn't keep me down. Went right back to work and working out at high level.
Then osteoporosis diag in mid-late 60's. From there, one thing or another driving me nuts. PMR was a biggie, but I'll take it over about a zillion other issues.

It was a thought-provoking to find out that PMR is not a muscular disorder, but rather one of the tendons. My rheum, who was great except for the constant harangue about osteo meds, was thoughtful and professional enough to do an ultra sound on me before even suggesting steroids and she explained afterwards that PMR was more like severe tendonitis than perhaps arthritis or other rheumatoid disorders. Anyway, she decided to leave her job as a physician for a desk job at the FDA. I was crushed. The "person" who took her place was worse than I expected and the practice would not let me switch docs. It's huge, and a commanding presence in my geography, so haven't found anyone to go to.

Anyway, wanted to also say you are 100% right. Less pain with your hip is a result of your excellent body conditioning over the years. Exercise is truly the only miracle prevention, cure and medication that really works....if done consistently and appropriately for your body.

Again, my deepest sympathies for your loss and all the very best to you in the future.