@kjoed53 . It is possible that the GP prescribed the prednisone as a test of PMR. Mine, who has treated many patients, did just that kind of blast. It is not only a test to see if one responds but also a hope that a short blast can knock it down enough. Kind of a "hail mary" type of move. I try not to instill doubt or question in a situation that I may not know what the motivation of the doctor was. They may have a perfectly sound reason. I think my main point is that PCPs, GPs, and primary care doctors can handle this kind of thing. Mine is a nurse practitioner and she is well versed in it. The local rheumatologist is 70 miles away. The only one in western Colorado and most likely would have declined to see me even if I wanted to. They have bigger issues to deal with in our area and PMR does not get the time of day, according to my primary care Dr. (nurse practitioner). Rural life has its issues. I would and did lots of self treatment with prednisone. I handled my own taper by following international protocols. My primary dr was available, mostly, via web chats . I kept her posted of my progress and what I was doing with my prednisone.