Thank you! Well, about a month ago, some lower back pain, then to hips, then to shoulder over a couple of days. Never had back pain before. Alleve did not do much, so went to my very excellent PA who suggested PMR as a possible and started testing and the predisone.
In reading what you provided, now I am wondering if my history might have some factors. Both my father and a brother died of MS in their 60s. Brother died of brain tumor, mother died of colon cancer and sister still living has fought it.
I had a severe episode of gout in one toe 40 or so years ago and have been taking a daily alopurinol ever since with no reoccurance. Also take a small thyroid pill daily. Diagnosed with ET a few years ago and take chemo daily for that to keep platelets down. Discovered slight heart murmur four years ago and get an ultra-sound every two years now to keep track of stenosis in one valve flap. Have had some occasional issues with vertigo over past few years -- ENT guy determined was not ear related. It has subsided some in recent months. Never had cholesteral or high blood pressure issues, even though 40 pounds overweight.
Both gout and cancer mentioned in your material. Wondering about that.