@nlcarl Congrats on your plan. Sounds workable. Just know that Kevzara takes like 6-10 weeks before you can begin to taper the prednisone.
Also, the delay in starting the Kevzara will probably be that your drug coverage will require a Prior Authorization. This means that before the insurance covers it, they will require information from your doctor supporting the need. It is not uncommon for the first request to be denied, then the doctor can appeal, provide additional information. If it is denied a second time, only you can request an appeal. Problem is no one tells you about this. It is, in my opinion a stall tactic by your insurance company to avoid covering the drug.
You can appeal but you doctor's office jumps in and provides additional information. Stay in contact with your doctor's office and your drug plan to ask the status to help move it along. I have never been denied after my final appeal, but I could execute this process in my sleep as far as experience. I really do think that the insurance companies make you do it to see if you are serious about the drug.
As for social gatherings, I can best manage one or two people at a time. Put me with 6 people or more and I have to really watch myself to keep a lid on it. I can become combative if not careful. I mean like if you say the sky is blue and I say it looks grey to me, I can go to the mat over the color of the sky. Like, who really cares? This is a known and common side effect of prednisone.
Keep us updated and safe travels on your journey.