Inflammation

It can be a variable time before lab work is indicative. Some clinical cases don’t show typical elevation
of markers. You are likely to get more
diagnostic attention from a rheumatologist. There may be help from more extensive testing.
Measurement of interleukins is now
available. Ultrasound technology can
reveal inflammatory sites not found on x ray. It can take years to evolve a definitive diagnosis.
Consider carotid and aortic ultrasound from a lifestyle proprietary group that offers inexpensive screening or see a cardiologist for risk assessment.
Statins are the first line of prevention with diet and exercise.

Thank you seniormd. I appreciate the info.
I've seen a rheum and had the US which she decided was not inflamed enough to be PMR.
She also took the labs.
I will ask my cardio about US screening. I have an appt with him but couldn't get in until Jan. I can call and see if perhaps he'll approve the screening before that. It won't involve him. A tech will do it.
I did have the IL and cytokines tested in June by a wonderful doc in NYC - I live in DC Metro. IL 6 and 10 were high as were some of the cytokines. My rheum here in Bethesda wouldn't consider those values. Said they were not something they dealt with. It's been a real merry go round.
Again, my thanks.

My anti inflammatory diet and supplements are largely patterned on IL-6 reduction.
Turmeric, melatonin, stevia,
Vitamin D, and dark chocolate are all anti-inflammatory.
I’m on statins which also are
mitigating IL-6. Topical diclofenac works for me. My
first rheum didn’t like that I checked IL-6. They gaslighted my symptoms. My present rheumatologist at University of
Chicago encourages my diet
program. She is wonderful.
Keep seeking and studying.

Thank you for sharing your "tips." Hope you are on the way to complete healing and remission. The rheums I've met have been such a disappointment. One trick ponies. If you have osteoporosis, you take the medication. NO other route will be discussed. Same with PMR. Steroids. They run only the ESR and CRP. I had to scare my rheum into testing for other muscular issues by suggesting I may have rhabdo since I take a statin. She was a very kind woman and the best one I had found, but of course, she left medicine entirely and has a desk job now. What a pity. She was not at all functional or natural in her approach but she'd at least respond to my concerns and do the safe thing. Since I have osteoporosis, she said if I had PMR and took steroids, they'd have to do a reclast infusion first because, of course, steroids eat bones. I froze. She said, "You can't imagine how many patients are on both." Wow. The guy who threw the IL and cytokine lab results in my face in a fit of rage suggested I see a PT. When I asked for a recc, he said "No. I have no one to suggest." I will NEVER be in his presence again. He was taking up the slack from the rheum who left and was in no mood to be decent. I made sure the office knew it. I just felt I had to.

I am having very good results using meloxacam a non-steroidal anti inflammatory. I was originally diagnosed in Jan 23 at 81. I am now 83. Doc put me on prednisone of course but got me off it ASAP. In this case 9 months.
That may be an option for you.
Best of luck

Thank you, Wilmington. I have a tough time with nsaids...unfortunately, as they do help. And I won't even consider steroids unless GCA and then they'll have to knock me flat.
How did you do on pred?
Glad you are doing well...you must be one strong individual!