That was more will power. Knowing the damage first hand the steroid causes. I was determined to get off. I spent about 4 months in huge pain. As we all did trying to figure out whats wrong. started dex in April 2022 4mg(20mg prednisone). Fixed in 4hrs. went to 3mg day 2. Still no pain. went to 2mg day 4. some pain. I stayed on 2mg for 4 months. Then moved to 1mg. with some discomfort . I stayed at 1mg for 1 month then moved to .5mg for 2 weeks and then stopped. so about 6 months. I have had 2 flares since then. Both were easy to recognize the symptoms. I did 4mg day 1 /2mg day 2 and 3/1mg day 4 then stopped on day 5. PMR was gone. no withdrawals due to short time on steroid. I may have to experiment with flares depending on severity. However under a week I should be able to restart my cortisol.

Not saying Dex is any worse than prednisone. I would prefer to take it. It works faster and lasts longer. Just dont be fooled by the dosage. Some googled information says its up 6 times stronger. One chart shows DEX at .75mg to 5mg prednisone. Hydrocortisone is the weakest 20mg. They give you hydrocortisone usually as a life time drug due to no cortisol production. Your already taking dex so until you get to about 1mg thats the kicker. My wife is on 1.5mg for last 3 years. It has totally wrecked her body.