Hello, I am new to the site and responding to the original question on diagnosis under 50. I had just turned 49 and was feeling good - active, healthy weight, determined to stay on track after 50. A few months later (on vacation in August) I started to have the onset of shoulder/upper arm pain, then hips/thighs.... symmetric, worse in the AM. By October I could hardly function, get dressed, get out of a chair, etc. Saw several docs (GP, rheumatologist, neurologist, 2nd rheumatologist) and had many MRIs and blood tests. They always said it couldn't be PMR because I was "too young". My mother had PMR at 56 and my paternal grandmother at a later age.

First rheumy eventually agreed to let me try prednisone at a stingy 10 mg. It may have helped around the edges but didn't kick it. Finally got a 2nd opinion and he grudgingly agreed to let me boost to 20mg, which made a huge difference. He still seems reluctant to really diagnose PMR, vaguely implies there could be something else going on. I've tapered to 4.5 mg but still have frustrating level of pain, but I guess tolerable. Trying to stay active. He wants to shift me to hydroxychloroquine or methotrexate, which both sound a bit scary, esp the latter. I have a video visit with him later this month, so if anyone has tips on those I'm eager to hear!

On vaccines: I've had flu vaccines every year for decades without incident (was 6+ months before initial onset), but I respect what I'm hearing that others have had reactions. I had the first COVID vaccine dose (Moderna) a few weeks ago without significant side effects ... I did feel extra stiff a few days later but I also may have been tapering below 4 mg too fast. I am definitely going to look into this Shingrix vaccine concern, as I suppose I'm due to get it.