Mike, 18 months ago I got the same symptoms as you! Your description is textbook for me. I had just returned from a trek in Nepal. With your CRP elevated (and likely sed rate too but not always), you could have what is called Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR). The best thing about it is, it is NOT a lifetime sentence! It runs it's course over usually 2-5 years but averages 2-3 usually. I am a retired critical care RN and diagnosed myself. The bad thing is, the rheumatologist has only one thing to offer for the pain and stiffness...steroids. To get a definitive diagnosis, you can do the trial of steroids (per your doctor) for a month and if your symptoms disappear (mine totally did after the first 3 days of the pill), it is considered definitive. I've had it bad for 18 months but I continue to exercise, do yoga, walk a lot and even hike in the mountains once a week and my husband and I will do the camino in Portugal next March come hell or high water. But the symptoms are far worse and most often at rest and are very challenging, especially because the pain and stiffness migrates all over the place at different times and its hard to sleep. But beat it!!!! I chose not to stay on steroids due to the long-term effects (I question if the cure is more harmful than the disease!) but many others can't take the pain. I wish you well and keep a positive attitude. I'd thought my trek triggered it, but it tends to be genetic and runs in Scandanvians and Northern Europeans four-fold, and usually hits people age 45-80 yrs of age. Good luck! I swear it sounds like that's what you have. I hope this helps you out.