Jan Bevan
My mother had polymyagia rheumatica ...twice! Unfortunately nothing worked except the cordisone. She tried acupuncture but if anything it made it worse. She had a good rhuematologist though who was very sensitive to what the drugs could do long term and as soon as she had been on it for a couple of months started reducing the dosage. The pain before the prednasone was excruciating -couldn't sit or lay down- and it made it possible to function at least. Its one of those mysterious conditions that does "its own thing" and then works it's way out of the body. Hers lasted for about 20 months the first time. It is not supposed to come back, but hers did about 2 yrs. later...but only for about 6 mos. They tried a couple of other things with the reoccurance but then went back to the prednasone which did the trick again. Obviously it isn't what you would choose, but other treatments can just make it worse so hang in there! She has had no signs of it for over 10 years now and because they kept her on the minimum dosages needed to control the pain, has not suffered from the "cure" as a result! Good luck! Our prayers are with you.