@momac59 Oh yes - I always ask lots of questions and even challenge when I think something is wrong for the 'whole of me', rather than just managing one disease pathway! I was on 20mg to start during my first 'firestorm/flare'. Reduced to 15mg within 10 days and almost all symptoms returned! So doc wanted me to go to 40mg! I refused and suggested 30mg, which he agreed. This has stopped the vast majority of the PMR symptoms, but has wreaked havoc in my life with the prednisone side-effects.
My doc is saying he will discuss 'steroid-sparing' drugs with me and possibly even a chemo drug to hopefully be able to taper off the prednisone quickly, since it is more life-disrupting than even the PMR flare! This is, of course, after me having to suffer the effects of the prednisone for 7 weeks... feeling very frustrated with the process and truly value all comments and help from this group!