@retiredphil - Doctor’s orders post blood work. I tried to avoid Prednisone through diet and supplements suggested by my naturopath. As symptoms got more debilitating rather than less I tried small doses of Prednisone. Symptoms increased daily; even @ 17.5 mg it didn’t alleviate the weakness and pain enough for me to function well enough to go to work at my retirement job. (I live alone and am still supporting myself at a job in my 70’s.) I sought advice through an online doctor I found when searching for Mayo Clinic online (not connected to Mayo, it turns out) who answered my question about untreated inflammation: it can lead to vasculitis (as I recall) and/or GCA. Being a genetic stroke risk and being that my eyes were negatively impacted with this last year on Pred. I caved and gave in to the doctor’s orders. I have to be able to function even minimally. So, in sum, I resisted, giving it the ol’ college try, but in the end went with my internist/PCP who prescribed 2 weeks @ 20 mgs then to start my taper. This dosage works. I like my doctor—she knows I hate to take prescription drugs of any kind. I am grateful to have the steroid—despite its side effects. And most of all, I am grateful for the understanding expressed on this board. Thank you (all) for your support!