Join Pain-Help Please

Hello I am 45 years old, 2 years ago I had a possitive ANA test come back. The Dr. Said I had PolyMyalgia Rhumaticia. (not sure I spelled that right). The ANA test was the only test I had he wanted to put me on steroids for 9 months-12 months. That scared me because I know what long term steroid use does to your joints.  I though I might have a thyroid problem or Lupus. I have many symptoms of both, but because he did not see a rash and my thyroid tests come back ok he never followed up on those. I did not take the steroids. Now my joint pain is worse.
My symptoms: JOINT PAIN, THIN HAIR, WEIGHT GAIN, VERY TIRED, CONSTIPATION, BAD NIGHT VISION
If you have any ideas or know of a wonderful Dr. in the Kansas City area please let me know.

[karajo]

Usually polymyalgia rhumatica is seen in older women over 60.       Hopefully someone who is familar w/ this disease will weigh in as I only have a limited amount of knowledge.  What I do know is it causes pain in the hip area and shoulders w/ severe stiffness and a high sed rate.  It also can have a positive ANA.  

Most people w/ lupus have diarrhea and weight loss.  

What was your ANA level and pattern.  Was your sed rate elevated.  What other things were off in your lab?

If you have an autoimmune disease the steroid would certainly help you, but I understand your reluctancy to take it for that long.