You might actually need to go back up. When on 4.5mg. I did not want to because of eye pressure and heart condition, however had "to bite the bullet" and went back up to 7.5mg and am feeling much better. At this level I find I can make up an exercise plan and do it. Three days I go to park with Lily, dog, walk as much as I can for the 50 minutes to an hour that I stay there and three days of of walking by myself on paved trail by the river. This morning it was the park. I walked for 28 minutes before sitting down for 2 minutes (this included some additional uphill) after 2 minutes of sitting, walked another 20 minutes. Came home and feeling good. My theory is that seeing the adrenal glands put out about 7.8 mg of cortisol, the 7.5 of prednisone takes most of the burden while the glands get ready to start producing again. I'm hoping I can go down to 4mg in a week and that the adrenals will step up to the plate. 🙂

@lindapc Hello, I’ve been reading your posts. It sounds like the hardest thing for you is the side effects. Did these only start as your prednisone dosage got lower? I ask because I’m supposed to start a taper this summer. Last Fall, when I tapered, I had a relapse in my disease, so I’m kinda wary. Have you spoken with your doctors about the side effects?
You also sound a bit depressed—aren’t we all! Having to deal with all these issues.
Maybe you need someone to talk to. I know my husband got really tired of hearing my complaints/sadness. A therapist (and a temporary increase in antidepressants) made things so much better. I know another big concern is the weight gain. I, too, have gained weight but not from the prednisone—just plain eating cookies and ice cream, the cure for everything! My sister also gained weight from prednisone but has been able to lose it all. Don’t get too discouraged. We’re all in this rocky boat together. Please stay in touch and let us know how you’re doing. Becky