Hi, I'm in Australia and have the same reaction from doctors regarding any connection between Covid Booster shots (Pfizer) and the onset of what's now been diagnosed as PMR. My original doctor's reaction when I presented with the pain was, "when was the last time you had Covid"? I informed him that "I've never had Covid, as far as I'm aware" and suggested a test to confirm so, or otherwise, would be a good idea - he didn't believe it was worth doing. I did finally get a tested and test confirmed I've not had Covid. (The test was only done because I took my husband with me to the next visit and asked again!)
After another visit when my distress and pain levels were obviously noteworthy to him he placed me on Prednisone 25mg and reducing over a period of a about a month. The pain returned when I finished this routine and he finally referred me to a Rheumatologist who diagnosed PMR and, reluctantly, I'm now back on Prednisone 15mg reducing over a 12 month period.
Complicating the issue a bit is I asked original doctor for a bone density test (I'm 65, was very active, vegan) and have been diagnosed with osteopenia in the hips and osteoporosis in the lumbar spine - the Prednisone can impact on this!
Like you, the PMR affects my right arm, shoulder to wrist, hip/pelvic area right and left side, front and back of both thighs and lower back - when not on Prednisone I had no quality of life - the pain was totally debilitating - personal hygiene and just daily activities were challenging.
Prednisone has given me back a level of quality of life I can live with.
I still get varying, usually brief, degrees of early morning pain/discomfort.
How to explain to others what I'm/we're going through? My girls looked it up and just their observations of who I was and who I am now (how I move, a gasp of unexpected pain) has given them some understanding.
Perhaps direct people you need to understand what's happening to this site.
I'm learning to moderate my exercise - when you get to experience "pain free" time it's so damned easy for YOURSELF to forget you ain't what you used to be and the actuality that "oh, yeah, I do have a medical condition, it's just well masked most of the time...slow down girl".
I get fatigued if I overdo the activity and hit the bed for a welcome break.
I try and walk every day for at least an hour and do some weight bearing exercises for the osteoporosis...am limited in range of movement in right arm and weight...I'm right arm dominant...do limited range of movement squats, deadlifts, lunges a couple of times a week with 5kg weights...bicep curls with 2.5kg weights when arm permits and carry the 2x5kg weights up the stairs and down whenever I go up & down.
Everyone will be different as to which exercises, which weights/bands/aids are suitable and how often they can attempt them.
I'm about to seek a dietitian's help to get onto a well-planned diet directed at both the PMR and osteoporosis.
It's difficult at times, but trying to maintain a sense of humour helps me and those around me, watching me...the me I am now.
When trying to explain over the phone to my girls what I looked like attempting to get out of bed in the morning, pre Prednisone, I explained that it's like watching an inebriated, one armed midget trying to breakdance in bed (did I mention I'm all of 5' 1 aaaaaaaand 1/4" TALL).
I wish you, all of you, better days, much better days and thank you all for your comments - I don't feel so alone or a nutter...what we're experiencing is very real.
Thank you.