O- M- G !!! hello @neztrop check out his conversation https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/870000/ -Ground Hog day indeed !!

To answer your question about work - I went on Family Medical Leave of Absence - we have that here in Massachusetts instead of short term disability. I never knew by what time of late morning I would feel OK , I could barely do any work from home because I was not up to it. And the thought of driving was way too scary.

However --for me and others increasing a suboptimal dose of about 20-15mg to 30 mg did the trick ( however my PCP would not prescribe higher dose - so do you already have a Rheumatologist) !! As I noted , my heat map of stiffness for three times during the day turned completely green at 30 mg not 20 mg! Did your highest dose ever rid you completely of pain and stiffness ? Like magic ?

And I totally agree with @megz about the split dose . And are you keeping a pain journal ? Check out PMRandIL6.com website for some great slides.