@covidstinks2023 , Thank you. I hear you. My rheumatologist has already told me that he doesn't want me to stay on it, even though I do take supplements for bone health. It has other bad side effects that can cause diabetes if you are predisposed and affect your heart. I am going to taper to a lower dose and see how I feel. I don't know if there is a point at which a lower dose is safe enough for long term use and that's why I am looking for input from people who have been down this road. I am very sorry about your friends. It truly is a miracle drug. I have more energy than I have had in years and that's why it so tempting to ignore the warnings - but I won't. Thank you.

@covidstinks2023
Yes, prednisone is a wonderful drug with a dark side. I've been on prednisone since 2009. I had severe encephalitis and I was initially on 1000mg Solumedrol for 3 days. Then on 60 mg/ day of prednisone. Now I'm down to a maintenance dose of 5mg/day. Side effects include thinning skin with lots of bruising, osteoporosis. I had a torn Achilles and needed 2 surgeries because the tissues are so thin and they tore a 2nd time. Prednisone makes every surgery risky due to extra bleeding and weak tissues.