Hey mikeshell,
After dealing with a great deal of discomfort in my upper legs and upper torso for a number of months, I was eventually diagnosed with PMR in July 2020. I received almost immediate relief from a 20mg dose of prednisone and started a 10-month taper. Fortunately I experienced only minimal side effects from the prednisone (mostly some weight gain). Near the end of my taper, some of the discomfort returned, but not nearly at the level I had experienced earlier. About a month after weaning off the prednisone, I began to experience mild headaches and some jaw discomfort. After doing some research, I decided I should see a rheumatologist, made the appointment, and within days was diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteritis in June 2021. At that point I started another 10-month prednisone taper and also began receiving monthly infusions of Actemra. If you would like to connect with others in your situation, I would also suggest you visit: https://www.vasculitisfoundation.org