I would like to weigh in about PMR coming on gradually. My symptoms began in Jan. 2023 with sore hip flexors. I thought it was too much exercising and figured it would go away. It didn’t, but stayed the same for another couple of months. I was able to pretty much do my normal activities. We took a long trip out of the country in April and then I noticed great difficulty getting on and off the tour bus. By the time we returned home my hip pain had increased. I went to two orthopedic dr. who said it was osteoarthritis and they sent me to PT. Pain was getting worse, PT didn’t help and then my PT referred me to a rheumatologist. At that point I couldn’t get out of bed by myself, walking was a shuffle and getting up from a sitting position was very painful. Pain was bilateral in hips, lower back, across shoulder blades and in my neck. PMR was diagnosed and I am now on prednisone and tapering. So yes, PMR can be a gradual decline. The prednisone seemed like a miracle drug even though I know that it is not always a long term solution because of side effects. How to mitigate side effects: diet(anti inflammatory), exercise (not too strenuous), supplements (calcium, vit D, vit K, Pepcid). I have blood work every month and see my rheumatologist once a month. I too had trouble getting that first appointment. I asked to be put on a cancellation list and miraculously was able to see the dr. very quickly. I wish you well on this journey. PMR has takes up way too much space in my brain but if I can be of help to anyone who is suffering with this condition I feel better. Carpe Diem