I was diagnosed in January. It is now October.
So many doctors and no one agrees. My rheumatologist said I do not have GCI ( a secondary problem for many with PMR) Therefore, I chose to stop taking the steroids after 2 1/2 months. I had gained 10 pounds and was still in pain.
I began at the gym with 2 days a week on the bike, then three days a week, moved on to mild Zumba class and light weights. I am still focused on keeping active to fight this disease. I’ve given up caffeine and have gone to very little gluten, sugars and alcohol. If my neck and shoulder pain flares I take Tylenol and use a heating pad for relief. It is now October and I choose to never give up. I am only 56. I have raised the issue to all my doctors that I believe PMR is a result of the shingles vaccine. No comment or real discussion from them!! I was advised by a nurse who felt badly for me, my pain and my situation to go on to the Merck website. The single dose shingles shot Zostavax is no longer offered. It’s now a new company and given in multiple doses.
When I got the vaccine at Walgreens the only side effect I was informed about was on site redness and swelling. If you go onto the Merck website, the side effect of PMR is still listed !!!! I am certain that no one would willingly take the shot if this information would have been revealed.
There are thousands of people now with PMR and doctors cannot seem to figure out how “so many” have such a “rare” disease.