Hi Pam @pb50, Only my initial onset of PMR when I was first diagnosed did I feel the type of pain you are describing. The flare ups I had when tapering off before the PMR went into remission didn't feel as bad as what you are experiencing. My rheumy was always telling me to watch for facial and head/jaw pains because he was concerned about GCA and vision being affected. 20 mg prednisone was the largest dose that I took for both of my PMR occurrences.

It might be worth a discussion with your doctor on trying a lower dose for a few days to see if it gets rid of your pain vs starting at 30 mg. Mike @dadcue has a lot more experience that I do so may have some better suggestions. Do you have any swelling in the hands or feet that goes along with the pain?