Hi @marilyncarkner, I have had two occurrences of PMR both treated with an initial starting dosage of 20 mg prednisone. Both times I was able to successfully taper off - took 3 years the first time and 1-1/2 years the second time. The only bad side effect I had was weight gain the first time so I was able to control it the second time around which was six years after the first occurrence because I knew what to expect.

I agree with you that it is the miracle drug for polymyalgia rheumatica for most of us. Eating healthy and controlling weight is also beneficial for all of us dealing with PMR. I still struggle with both but at 76 I'm still a piece of work in progress ☺ I've always felt that the goal to get off of the drug as soon as possible is the best outcome for us but we really are all different in how PMR affects us and sometimes it's just not possible to get off as soon as we would like. I did find an interesting article on the subject of prednisone - good or bad.

American Council of Science and Health - Prednisone: Satan's Little Helper
-- https://www.acsh.org/news/2016/12/12/prednisone-satans-little-helper-10561

What dosage did your rheumatologist start you off at? Are you still on prednisone?