Hi @nancy53, I had PMR for about six months and the results of lab tests only showed a slightly elevated CRP score so my doctor didn't diagnose it. I wasn't prescribed any medication. About eight months later I had a host of new symptoms and the inflammation markers for my blood tests were off the charts. I had GCA, diagnosed by a biopsy of the temporal artery.
Sometimes with PMR if the inflammation markers aren't there yet, the doctor may prescribe a trial dosage of prednisone. If it relieves the symptoms, then PMR is usually diagnosed. If not, then it's most likely something else.
The holidays are bad because no one's available.
I wish you the best.