@betsyhase I also have some stiffness and pain in hips when waking or sitting staying in one position for a longer time. When I first started with the pains in shoulders and hips, I was unable to get up off couch or chair with out struggles and then stood wavering for a second or two before I attempted to walk. Also if I put my coffee cup into microwave to heat struggled to raise arms to put in and take out. I do measure my progress with and without prednisone by these struggles. At this time my doctor had my shoulders and hips X-ray’d and some arthritis was found in one side. But pain was too extreme to be causing the immobility and quality of life change so he did blood work and that’s where the markers were found to be really high. Anyway as I move forward I accept the stiffness and pain as long as I am able to do what I did before the PMR. I am just blessed that my pain and stiffness allows for that acceptance

@betsyhase Hi Betsy I am in the same situation as you . I am 74 years old and have been on Prednisone for 5 years ,soon to be 6 years and can identify with your situation. I have lost so much with this disease , have also been in pain 24/7 and and lost strength to the point I have to sit in my chair very often while doing simple household chores.I feel like a prisoner in my own home.My balance is so bad I have had several falls which required an ambulance trip to the hospital. Had lab work done 3 days ago and my CRP test was normal .I found out you can have a normal CRP level and still have PMR. I am looking for a new doctor and am on a wait list to get one.The wait list is over 3 years long. I am looking for alternatives for treatment and hope to find some.I am not giving up ever.The only thing I haven't lost with this disease is the weight I have gained which doesn't help the situation