Prednisone also made me feel worse the longer I took it. For me, feeling worse on Prednisone was overwhelming fatigue caused by adrenal insufficiency and a low cortisol level. Feeling worse when I took methotrexate was the nausea and vomiting caused by elevated liver enzymes.

I didn't start to feel better until I got off Prednisone. The biologic I'm currently taking makes me feel better. It does cause some mild lab abnormalities including slightly elevated liver enzymes but nothing that causes any symptoms. Since I get a monthly infusion of the biologic, I no longer worry about taking Prednisone every day or the dose I need to take and how slow my taper should be.

I don't know how much Prednisone you take but being on it for 7 years has some potentially bad side effects. The side effects are likely treated with other medications with more potential side effects. I know people prefer the devil they know but Prednisone is still a devil.

I know how difficult these decisions are. I was on Prednisone for more that 12 years. I wouldn't wish that for anyone. I'm sorry methotrexate isn't working for you. I hope you can find something else that works so you so can get off Prednisone someday.

I started Methotrexate end of December 2024, and my PMR symptoms are much better but still on 40 mg prednisone daily (no taper) as my inflammatory markers are still high. The Methotrexate side effects are unpleasant though. I was taking weekly folic acid, but have been switched to leucovorin 3-5 days a week depending on severity of side effects. But being able to walk is making me very happy.