It really is an exciting "new age" in PMR/GCA research. Five years ago, my rheumatolgist wasn't overly confident about Actemra but said it may be my best chance of ever getting off prednisone.

I remember when I posted a question on another forum about treating PMR with Actemra. The forum itself with people who shared their personal experiences was great. The self proclaimed "experts" on the forum said my rheumatologist wasn't very intelligent and lacked some basic understanding that Prednisone was the "only option." Then the experts made sure I was booted off that forum because Actemra wasn't pertinent to them after I reported Actemra was working for me.

I still wish to know if and when I will ever get off Actemra. My rheumatologist is doubtful because of how the immune system is able to remember what it attacks chronically. The immune system memory is detrimental when a person has an autoimmune condition.