I was diagnosed with PMR in April 2015. My symptoms started in the fall of 2014. It was awful. Fortunately, my primary care physician took me seriously when I brought it up in December 2014. I had to wait four months for my appointment with the rheumatologist (she has a great reputation). Fortunately, during the four months of waiting, the pain diminished a tiny bit every week . . . but, it was still pretty bad.

After all the tests, etc., she confirmed PMR and said there wasn't much to treat it except prednisone. This rheumatologist was very honest with me and said there is little known or understood about PMR. I've known too many people that struggled to get off of prednisone and I wanted to avoid it if possible. My primary care physician suggested two Aleve twice a day. That did help, but I was concerned about the long-term consequences. I received no pain reduction with cannabis and CBD products.

I then was chatting with an acquaintance. She has rheumatic arthritis. I had heard RA shared some similarities with PMR. She managed her RA with an herbal supplement, Zyflamend. It's turmeric-based and also contains rosemary and ginger. I purchased some via Amazon and it works well about 90% of the time and I don't worry too much about long-term consequences. If I have a flare-up, I will take two Aleve. I also find movement, moist heat, and massage (with cupping) help too.

I have to be careful with vaccines and limit myself to one at a time with several weeks in between. The most important thing for me was getting a diagnosis beyond someone telling me "You're getting old and creaky."