windyshores — I do not have any swelling or any other symptoms other than tinnitus that started in 2021. Just wondering, based on my limited information right now, whether you think I would be required to take Plaquenil or another DMARD at this point - I am not liking the side effects I am reading about the drugs and would like to delay starting these types of drugs for some time if I am not damaging my body. During the worst point of my pain flares I would rate it a 2-3 on a scale of 10. I do not take any drugs for the pain flares. I had a pain flare 5 years ago that lasted 8 weeks. At that time CRP, ESR and ANA were normal. The difference this time around is that ANA is high. I tried Tylenol and Alleve for the pain 5 years ago but did not notice any difference in the pain level. The pain is worse when sitting at my desk and is relieved by walking around or laying down. The pain has never been so horrible so this time around I did not try any Tylenol or Alleve — just worked through it by sitting at my desk for shorter periods of time and meditating at night.