Like you, I have had the PMR symptoms for more than 2 years but normal blood work - except at very beginning. I tell rheumatologist that I must be in the 20% of folks with PMR but normal inflammatory markers. He seems to think it’s more like 5%. But Rheumy Handbook seems to attest that if you rule everything out and Prednisone taper produces immediate response, it’s PMR. Of course we are all different. Hope this helps or engenders further dialogue.

The NIH and Mayo Clinic are two sources that report that it is possible to have PMR with normal inflammatory markers. Look them up, print them, and bring them to your rheumy. Ask him to put you on some prednisone for say 2 weeks, and see if your symptoms disappear. Of course, it needs to be "enough" pred to do the job. If it works, I think a lot of doctors would concede to your diagnosis. Probably 99% of us "old folks" have osteoarthritis along with our PMR. Of course, I'm making this suggestion without knowing much about you. But I think the suggestion I'm making is reasonable, don't you?