@martyn. Good luck with the taper, Glad you have seen the Drs and are on your journey. Bloo work is usually normal when on Prednisone. It is a kind of marker that the dosage is right (in addition to pain level). At 63 I was able to do the taper in 10 months with no flares. I really paid attention to my body and noticed that at around 4-5 mg (6 months in) PMR was leaving my body. I could tell even while medicated. The journey was one of the more bizarre experiences I have ever had in life. Not to be repeated, hopefully. I also worked on calming my central nervous system via acupuncture and chiropractic in case a heightened fight or flight (sympathetic system) was at hand (which it usually is with me!). In addition, i worked with an Ayurvedic dr on any leaky gut concerns which may be linked to this and other diseases. I was an am into anything that can help.