Can PMR decline over time without taking medication?

I am a 70 year old male living in rurtal England. I was diagnosed with PMR in February of this year. Pain and stiffness were evident but not such to stop me continuing to be pretty active. I do take occasional painkillers in the morning or evening if particularly stiff and achy. I continue to do yoga and exercise regularly. My hips are stiff and I do have evidence of osteo-arthritis in left hip and right knee.

My consultant said that some PMR can be 'self-limiting', i.e. it can reduce over time without medication. However, he said there was little robust evidence. He advised that I took medication. I have decided NOT to take medication for six months to see how things progress. I am still stiffer than before PMR, I have lost about 7lbs weight and I have less muscle strength. None the less, I still manage a 2 acre garden, fish my local river for trout (climbing banks is tougher!) and try not to be too limited by PMR.

Does anyone have any information about the prognosis for non-treatment PMR? Do the symptoms decline over time? I would be very interested to hear.

GCM1 (I should add this is the first discussion group I have ever joined!)

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