I have relapsing polychondritis, RA, systemic lupus, and CIDP. My RP is the least of my problems. as my symptoms are mild and infrequent. I was diagnosed because my rheumatologist recognized my nose as a “saddle nose “, where the bridge of nose is somewhat collapsed. We looked at old pictures of me and saw the nasal bridge changes. The only symptom I get is painful, tender external ear cartilage. I have also had costochondritis a few times Both are infrequent and don’t last long, so I am lucky. If you get flares with normal periods in between, the prednisone or a good NSAID seems like a good way to treat it to avoid being on a med all the time. I find diclofenac (Voltaren) gel helps my ears when they hurt. It’s OTC, an anti inflammatory topical. I hope your symptoms are not severe and respond well to treatment!