@penn1023 the prednisone didn't raise my blood pressure. In addition to the PMR being diagnosed, I was already on blood pressure medication for hypertension and high BP. I can't say that the prednisone made it any worse. A rheumatologist diagnosed my PMR but I'm not sure their is a specific test that identifies that you have PMR although they do use two blood tests as indicators -- erythrocyte sedimentation rate (SED rate test) and C-reactive protein (CRP test). Mayo Clinic has more information here on diagnosis and treatment:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyalgia-rheumatica/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376545

What are your symptoms? Mine started with really stiff and painful joints and got so bad that I couldn't walk which is when I went to the doctor the first time. In retrospect I wish I would have went to the doctor at the first sign and not let it get so bad. The only side effects I had from the prednisone the first time it occurred was a significant weight gain. When the second occurrence came about 6 years after I was able to get off of prednisone, I was more aware of the weight gain problem and made some lifestyle diet and more mild exercise changes to help control the weight gain. I was able to keep it in the 5 to 10 lb range which was easier to lose after getting off of prednisone.