I have had PMR and refused to take steroids as I was worried about taking them because of the side effects including weight gain. However, my condition progressed to Rheumatoid Arthritis which I now have for life rather than the shorter lived PMR. I asked my consultant if it was my fault for allowing my body to remain inflamed, but she couldn't be sure. I know several people who have taken the steroids and experienced immediate improvement. It took a while to ween themselves off, but after a couple of years all is well. Given the choice now, I would have taken them.
I understood that there wasn't a specific blood test to confirm PMR, but the immediate improvement with steroids was diagnostic. I am talking quite a long time ago, so perhaps there is now a test. I hope your husband will soon be helped.
