Hi there- I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this. From watching my dad struggle with PMR, and even though I have an inflammatory arthritis, it was still shocking how debilitating the pain and fatigue was.

What you’ve shared does sound a lot like PMR, but there are many other inflammatory and other conditions that can be very similar. I’m not a doctor but if your inflammatory markers (ESR and CRP) are very elevated, this makes it much more likely to be PMR. But at the same time other thing should push up those blood tests, and it’s still possible not to have elevated inflammatory markers. That combined with your symptoms and a trial dose of prednisone could confirm the diagnosis very quickly.

A PCP can treat PMR, and many do when rheumatologists aren’t available, but it’s been my experience that it’s still ideal to work closely with a rheumatologist because there’s so much nuance with these types of conditions and managing them with medications.

As for pain…well for my dad, no pain reliever touched the pain. Then again that’s sort of one of the hallmarks of the condition. I would think NSAIDs (ibuprofen, etc.) may help if it is PMR or an inflammatory condition, but I know it’s rare for older adults (or many people really) to be able to safely take NSAIDs.

Otherwise ice or heat, rest and a lot of deep breathing, perhaps?

I’m really hoping for you that you get clarity soon and the blood tests are revealing.