I developed severe PMR basically on my 55th birthday. It went misdiagnosed for 2 months because most Dr's assume its a Senior's disease, but my Specialist said there are many false beliefs about PMR and he sees as many patients age 50-55 as he does in any other similar age group, but never under age 50. I am 57 and still struggling to reduce my prednisone dose. I just reduced from 10mg to 9 and am having a bad flare up, so not sure what to increase to and it will take many weeks to see my Doctor. I do fear that being diagnosed earlier and having a severe case may be an indication of a long term condition. Tapering prednisone has been a difficult process.