I am a very active 78 year old woman and new to this forum, but not new to Polymyalgia. I was diagnosed in January 2022. I confirmed my diagnosis with my rheumatologist and a specialist in NYC but my bIood tests never indicated any problem. I began taking 15 mg of prednisone at that time and had instant incredible relief. I have a very bad back and was able to stop the epidurals I was receiving.

I was slowly decreasing the dosage every 3 weeks until March 2022 when I fell and shattered my elbow requiring major surgery and a fast reduction to 5 ml of prednisone which I have remained on since then. Both my rheumatologist and my son, a pulmonologist, are very wary of staying on prednisone and convinced me remaining at 5 ml is the best option.

I have had flare ups but managed to push through them but recently it is back with a vengeance. I am going to PT and trying massage but they almost seem to make my pain worse. It is affecting everything I do. Having no conclusive blood tests and uncertain about the best treatment to follow, I feel totally at a loss.