@dickwholliday
I asked my AI Agent if it was safe to donate blood when you have an active case of PMR and are on prednisone - this is the reply I received.

Why blood donation isn’t normally allowed in this situation
1. Prednisone automatically triggers a donor deferral.
Blood centers defer anyone taking systemic corticosteroids (like prednisone) because they suppress the immune system and can mask infections. Most centers require you to be off prednisone for a period of time before donating — often at least a week, sometimes longer depending on dose and duration. (apparently, this is not really true)

2. Active PMR means you’re not considered “in good health” for donation.
Blood donation rules require donors to be feeling well and free of active inflammatory disease. If PMR is active enough to require daily prednisone, blood centers will defer you until the condition is stable or in remission.

3. Safety for you matters too.
Donation can stress the system. With active PMR and steroid treatment, there’s a higher risk of flare, fatigue, or masking an infection.

4. This matches what rheumatologists and blood‑center guidance say.
Patients with PMR/GCA generally donate only once the disease is quiet and they’ve been off prednisone long enough to meet the center’s criteria.

Bottom line for you
With active PMR and ongoing prednisone, U.S. blood centers will almost certainly defer you. Donation becomes possible again once:

PMR is stable or in remission
You’ve been off systemic prednisone long enough for your center’s waiting period