@jfannarbor If you have been on it for 35 years I would suggest you talk to your Rheumy, Endo (if you have one) and/or your PCP about testing your cortisol. Tapering successfully is mainly about waking your adrenal grands up since long term use of prednisone puts them to sleep. I would not be surprised if yours have the "Do Not Disturb" sign out. You might want to do some research on prednisone and cortisol to better understand what is going on inside your body. Things we cannot see or feel are at work within us.