@bren2023, Diet and lifestyle changes certainly helped with my second time around with PMR and made it easier to taper off of prednisone in a shorter period of time (1 and half years vs 3 and half years the first time around with PMR).

--- Can Diet Affect Symptoms of Polymyalgia Rheumatica?: https://www.healthline.com/health/polymyalgia-rheumatica-diet

There are a lot of different conditions that mimic PMR that your rheumatologist may take into consideration -- Diseases that mimic polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR): https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diseases-that-mimic-polymyalgia-rheumatica.

None of us like taking prednisone but it may be the best alternative to control the PMR and hopefully get it back into remission. There is another discussion on the topic that you might find helpful:
--- PMR: Are there treatment alternatives to Prednisone?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/alternatives-to-prednisone/.

Can you let us know what you find out at your upcoming appointment with the rheumatologist?

I was diagnosed with PMR in 2015. I too was/am apprehensive about Prednisone having known too many people that struggled to get off of it. I discussed this at length with my rheumatologist and decided to forego Prednisone.

My primary care physician recommended two Aleve twice a day for inflammation. It worked really well . . . however, I am concerned about taking medications for extended periods of time because of the possible long-term impact.

After chatting with an acquaintance of mine who has rheumatic arthritis, she told me she uses an herbal anti-inflammatory, Zyflamend. It's turmeric-based and I don't have the concerns about ingesting it that I do with prescription medications. I ordered it via Amazon and have been taking two capsules every day for several years. It works well about 95% of the time. If I have more pain than usual (usually less than once a month), I will take two Aleve.

Good luck!