@jeep2004, I am sorry for what you have had to go through. Your rheumatologist sounds callous, and lazy. Good that you are looking for another doctor.
In the 1990s, my mother-in-law, who was in her 80s, and always vibrant, came down with a mysterious malady that knocked her flat. She had a headache, jaw pain when eating, night sweats, and general malaise. Her PCP sent her to an internist who took no tests, told her it was a virus she had to wait out, and sent her home. Long story short, I consulted with a friend, an infectious disease specialist, and sent him a detailed list of my m-i-l's symptoms. He guessed it was either temporal arteritis, AIDS, or a malagnancy. Through him, we got a referral to an excellent internist who ordered the biopsy. She was positive for GCA. At the time, my m-i-l was ailing, many close to her thought that it was "all in her head."
Some 40 years later, I was also diagnosed with GCA. To get the diagnosis, I consulted with my physician friend, sent him my lab work, etc. and he told me what tests to ask my PCP to order. When I told my PCP we suspected GCA, he laughed and said if I had it, I'd be blind. Although he later called to apologize, I couldn't overlook his arrogance and changed physicians.
I wish that my m-i-l was still around so we could commiserate.
In the book "Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis: a survival guide, Kate Gilbert makes the point that some doctors have no interest in PMR and GCA because they're usually diseases of the "elderly."
You are quite right about having to advocate and push in certain situations to at least be taken seriously.
Happily, after a year and a half, I'm off prednisone and symptom free. I wish you the best. Don't lose heart or your willingness to fight for yourself! I hope you find a caring, competent and conscientious physician who can give you proper treatment.