I totally understand you not wanting to take steroids. I never even take a pill for a headache as I am reminded how animals suffer during testing. I have of course taken the necessary drugs for two weeks after each joint replacement as it was necessary. I will never forget the pain I was in for 3 weeks before finding it was PMR and steroids were the best option. As my lifestyle is an active one, healthy eater, non drinker or smoker I was assured steroids would allow me to get back to normal. I did read about people trying other methods and ending up on steroids in the end. I started in May this year, had a problem when dose was dropped from 12.5 -10mg but that was a massive learning curve. Found this forum which really helps as I get no help from Dr here in the UK. Read as much as you can about inflammation and how to stop it. I am on 6mg next week. Did a big physical challenge last week, 700 metre swim, 700 metre SkiErg, 7 minutes Airbike, 700 metre row, 7k spin bike, 70 floors stairmaster and 7k curved treadmill. No flare up after just normal aches and pains. Pretty sure I would not have been able to still be this active without Pred. Because I am ticking all the boxes this should be over after a year of steroids. If once I have stopped and a flare starts up then I will try a 1mg for a couple of weeks and this is from an animal loving vegan woman. All these months later I still wince when I take the drugs in the morning but they work and mean I have my life back.