Hello @mrspunkin, Welcome to Connect. You will notice that we moved your post into an existing discussion on the same topic so that you can connect with other members and learn what they have shared. If you click the link below it will take you to the beginning of the discussion.
--- PMR with normal blood markers: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-with-normal-blood-markers/.

Do you mind sharing what starting dose of prednisone was prescribed and if your rheumatologist has suggested a tapering plan?

Hi, I was diagnosed with a mild case of PMR (only hurt at night in bed) and had no inflammatory markers. I started with 10 mg. Prednisone and weaned off in about a year.

I was very reluctantly diagnosed with PMR a year ago, despite normal ESR and CRP tests. (These are the two they look at to see inflammation-they are NOT specific to PMR; only to inflammation.) if they are not raised, most doctors are skeptical. A rheumatologist refused to see me when my PCP referred me because my markers were not raised. Despite this, I had a classic case of waking up one day with overnight, extreme stiffness and pain in my neck shoulders and hips. My PCP reluctantly prescribed 10 mg of prednisone and I was almost back to normal within 24 hours. Up to 20% of PMR patients do not have elevated markers. If you do some Google research you will find articles that clearly state this. To make a diagnosis in the absence of elevated markers, a course of prednisone is given, and if your body responds to it, the diagnosis should be made. (This is in the medical literature.) I had to arm myself and advocate for myself by doing my own research and taking it to my doctor.

One last thing. I just read an article that said that another pointer to inflammation is high neutrophils/low lymphocytes, so ask about that too. I ALWAYS get copies of my labs, straight from the lab. You can usually sign up for a portal online for easy access, or go pick copies up from the lab.

Best to you. Be your own advocate.

yes, I'm in the same boat. my sed rate and CBC and C-Reactive tests have been normal or close to normal but I had ALL the PMR symptoms. Google Bard tells me that roughly 20% of us have negative blood tests but still have PMR.