@dadcue and all... That's so interesting, dadcue, and you helped explain so well. Is Atemra the drug that was found to help RA symptoms in this way? I had a friend whom I believe was on that drug when it first became available and had some good results, for a while. There are several now that are somewhat similar that can help the body recover it's ability to recover some of the damage caused by the long-term use of Prednisone. Right? progress is being made in this field! I know I sound excited... I suppose I am as this has been such a long journey with steroid use and increasing damage to my body. That had to be as we were constantly told there was no alternative. So, we did what needed to happen. I fully expect the journey to be difficult, but for the first time in years I have a glimmer of hope of some relief from PMR and possibly other autoimmune diseases, as well as some of the Prednisone damage perhaps. My doctor is surely not as thrilled as I... she knows what can be facing us down this road.

This is truly an exciting time for folks with Prednisone dependency. I took 80 mg Prednisone when I was 40 for about 8-9 months, as I recall, until I developed the most serious side effects the doctor warned me about at the time... brain fog to a serious level and pretty serious depression. It was helping some of the Sarcoid symptoms, but once the damage got to a certain level we backed off and began the tapering process. It took forever, and I was never truly off it for long, as my lungs would develop infections that needed the Prednisone to get it under control. So, I suppose the adrenals were losing their ability to work properly beginning those years ago? Interesting...

I do know the tapering speed is something that is too often ignored after we get to this point of dependency on Prednisone. Several doctors have focused on reducing my Prednisone use as it has been affecting my vascular system more, as well as I suppose everything else! I was mostly concerned for years with Osteoporosis,which I did have at 35 years old, but it improved during the years I was generally off Prednisone, until a decade ago when I had to get back to regular, frequent use to beat lung and other infections. Now, the osteoporosis is worse, as is calcification of veins and arteries, thinning of skin, veins, small vein vasculitis and more. Well, there you go. Perhaps we will find I have another year or so to enjoy my newly renovated home and my son, with fewer illnesses and pain. I pray so. One step... As I mentioned, I didn't expect to see 2026 celebrations!

You were blessed to see good results with your treatment. And to be off Prednisone for 5 years must feel great. Do you notice specific improvement in certain areas where side effects were more severe? Or is it a general overall improvement? And you continue to be PMR symptom free. There is hope...

Thanks for your clarity and explanations. You are a gift to us all...
Blessings, Elizabeth