Welcome (unfortunately) to the club. We all had the same feelings you have. Shock, disbelief, what does this mean going forward, what is forward?

The steroid test should let you know if you have PMR. That is if the dose is strong enough. For me, 40mg/day (half in the morning and half in the afternoon) had me feeling like Superman. I was looking for tall buildings to bound and steel bars to bend.

Then my doctor said, “Slow down buddy. We don’t want you taking that much for too long.”
That was when I was first introduced to the harmful effects of steroids. I probably took way too high a dosage for way too long. I went into this blindly.

Luckily for you, you are not going in blind. You’re a little bit informed and that’s better than most. You’re cautious to glucocorticoid usage, that’s good. And, you connected with a wonderful group of people who are sharing first-had experience, knowledge, and care. Yes, even advice which you should always discuss with your doctor first, but I found much of it helpful. Especially, with what to ask your doctor. There is a good discussion in this Support Group of a list of questions to ask your doctor. Make a list of questions, concerns, supplements, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes that will get you through this asap.

Lastly (for now.) sleep is crucial. It is when our body repairs. Prednisone/corticosteroids/glucocorticoids can make sleep impossible. Talk with your doctor about help with that if it becomes an issue.

Keep a PMA, positive mental attitude and know that you are young and will get better.

I wish you the best.