Onset was a huge, inflammatory flare that came out of the blue. At first I thought I was just sore from overdoing it on several projects.

My hands were somewhat impacted - but mostly my shoulder joints and hip girdles. I could barely stand up or move my arms. The pain and stiffness eases a couple of hours after waking.

I had to beg my PCP for a second round of the 6 pack of methylprednisolone. It's a 6 days, tapering course of medicine, that works! He is cautious, rightfully so. A friend took me to my standing 6 month dermatology appointment last week and my doctor took one look at me, and gave me the prescription for Prednisone - 30mg every other day. I could see his intellect trying to solve my malady, asked lots of questions. He too thinks it's PMR. He also has his PHD in immunology, so I trust him. His compassion was overwhelming.

This forum is great, I don't want to bore my concerned family and friends, but I need to vent and to get some answers.

You sound like you have it far worse. We say "lo siento" in my part of the country = "I'm sorry".