In this hope-filled episode of the UnabridgedMD Podcast, Dr. Isabelle Amigues sits down with Cliff—a former patient—to trace his journey from sudden, debilitating pain and months of uncertainty to full remission and a return to the life he loves. After being dismissed and delayed elsewhere, Cliff found UnabridgedMD, received an accurate diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), and followed a clear, compassionate plan: calm the “fire” of inflammation, treat decisively, and taper safely. Within a few months he was off steroids, symptom-free, and cleared to travel to Africa—proof that partnership, precise listening, and a treat-to-target mindset can change everything.

💡 Show Notes — Topics Covered:

The First Signs: Sudden, severe morning pain and stiffness in hands, shoulders, and hips; difficulty lifting arms or walking; classic PMR pattern.

Temporary Relief, No Plan: Prednisone erased symptoms—but primary care tapered rapidly without next steps; NSAIDs did nothing.

The Missing Piece: Months of delays and “arthritis” labels despite negative serologies; wife suspects PMR from research and advocates for a rheumatology referral.

Getting Seen—Fast: UnabridgedMD schedules Cliff within a week (then next-day); Dr. Amigues listens to the story, confirms PMR approach, and sets a remission goal.

Treat the Fire, Then Taper: Short-term steroids to control inflammation plus a disease-modifying plan; thoughtful, stepwise taper off steroids and then other meds.

Full Remission & Freedom: By February 2025, Cliff is off all meds, symptom-free, and cleared for Africa travel vaccinations—no relapse.

Partnership Over Paternalism: Why listening to patient narratives (and even patient research) matters; doctors as guides, patients as partners.

Life After Pain: Retiring the business, reclaiming energy, and re-prioritizing what matters—time, travel, and health.

Practice Model Insight: How more time in a direct-care setting supports precise diagnosis, fewer meds, and better outcomes.

Hope for Others: Many inflammatory conditions can reach remission with the right plan; don’t give up and don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion.