I was diagnosed with PMR and possible GCA in late July 2024. I started on 60 mg. of Prednisone. Took that dosage for about 6 weeks, then started tapering down. I got down to 8 mg. the end of November 2024. I was still having joint aches and headaches. I decided to hold at 8 mg. rather than continue the taper. In late December, I had a full on flare. All my original symptoms returned, including the GCA symptoms (which had been non-existant for about 3 months). I went back up to 13 mg. the beginning of January 2025. Throughout my PMR journey, I've kept in close contact with my rheumatologist PA. Her 'assistant' is available via text. I can text a question or concern and usually hear back the same day or next morning. Her instructions for my taper include "as tolerated". I tell her where I'm at in my taper and if I am modifying it. I've learned a lot from the wonderful people in this forum and I feel empowered to control my health decisions.

After the 'holiday' flare, I told my rheumatologist PA that I wanted to start Actemra infusions. Since, I was having GCA symptoms and my inflammatory markers were high again, she had no problem ordering the infusions. She did mention that I'd 'only' been on Prednisone for 5 months. I wasn't about to enter a long relationship with Prednisone, if there were options available to lower the dosage or eliminate it completely. I did not want to get into a cycle of tapering and then having to increase the dosage to treat a flare, only to start all over again with tapering. I've read, where it happens often to PMR patients. I didn't want to be one of those people. I was a very active 69 yo before PMR. I was always operating at 110 mph. PMR knocked me down to 20 mph.

I've had my second Actemra infusion. Two weeks after the first one, I started feeling better. I did not have that constant feeling of malaise and fatigue. I am aware of the potential side effects from Actemra, but I have had enough side effects from the Prednisone, that I can count them on two hands. I haven't had a bone density, yet, to see what it's done to my bones. I'll take my chances with Actemra, knowing that there's a very good chance that I will be able to eliminate Prednisone in my life.