Hello friends, I am new to this PMR support group having just been slammed 2 weeks ago with the disabling pain (neck, shoulders, back) and now working through a pred taper which is not working very well (so far). But as a newbee, I realize that patience will be the hallmark of a long journey back to wellness.

The irony in my case (though I’m sure all those afflicted have their own ironies) is that I’m an immunologist (research/author) having worked, written and lectured in the field for the past 35 years (of a 55-year career in healthcare) and just completed a book (just prior to my PMR diagnosis) entitled “The Paradox of the Immune System.” It’s a comprehensive text, but I think the gods of immunology punished me for only briefly describing PMR and not giving it sufficient attention (mentioned only twice in 300 pages) among the more than 80 autoimmune diseases I cover. As such, I really can’t recommend the book to my “now, fellow PMR suffers.” But if you are not entirely familiar with the science of immunology and its many paradoxes, you may find the text worthwhile. And please understand that this is not a book promotion because I have absolutely no interest in profiting from this book. My goal in writing it (and even more so now as an immunology [PMR] patient) is strictly to present the science of immunology to laypersons and health professionals with limited or no understanding of current immunology, its remarkable progress, and enormous relevance in healthcare.

To wit, I decided (again, prior to my PMR diagnosis) to create a free online website (www.immuneparadox.com) that parallels the content of the book including 90 blog posts with a “Science Version” (45 posts) for health professionals and a “Layperson Version” (45 posts) with the book content in simpler explanations and less technical jargon. But of course, as Einstein said so brilliantly, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” I’ll also be adding podcasts and along with some preeminent immunologists from Bethesda, Rockville, and Frederick, MD we will be starting interactive monthly online immunology discussion groups for those interested. Please consider registering as soon as we have the links available. And please remember, everything is free. In the meantime, with the help of my physician and hopefully, a better understanding of PMR, and indeed of all autoimmune diseases, I’ll be attending to my condition and thinking of all my fellow sufferers.