Kate, you are lucky. Sounds like you have a great doctor. June, I am sorry you are not reacting well to prednisone. I too started at 15 (one month ago) and am now at 30. My side effects are fluid retention and insomnia. I saw my rheumatologist yesterday for the second time. She explained that you need enough prednisone to really zap the inflammation which is causing your pain, otherwise you risk a bad flare and will be starting all over again. I will manage my own tapering schedule, but she encouraged at least two weeks at each dose. I am on 30 mg and will go down by 5 mg each time. When I am below 20, I’ll start methotrexate and try to get off the prednisone. Good luck, both of you.