Hi, @jullieh. I am extending a virtual handshake to welcome you to Mayo Connect. I am happy to hear that have received a kidney transplant and are on the road to your new normal!
In 2009, I received a liver and kidney at Mayo in Rochester. Like you, I was tapered off the high post surgery dose of prednisone in a matter of weeks. However I continued to take a daily 10 mg prednisone pill for around 5 years because the research (at that time) and my health called for it. My labs, and other immunosuppressant medications were relatively stable throughout those years. Then, at one of my annual visits to Mayo, my transplant team said that I could get of the prednisone. I would not have expected 10 mg to be a difficult amount to withdraw from. I had some bothersome side effects and needed some of my other meds adjusted along the way. My primary care doctor who is nearby helped me with my taper. I have been off prednisone for probably 5 years now.

Like, you, I am at a distance from my transplant team - 756 miles to be exact from my home in Kentucky to Rochester MN. I return annually for my checkups, and all other care is provided under the guidance of my primary care doctor, who is willing to coordinate with Mayo. I continue to have my routine labs drawn per my schedule, and both my primary care doctor and Mayo get the results. Here is an article that you might like to read. Transplant Physicians and Local Physicians: A Partnership to Provide Best Care to Every Patient
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/transplant/newsfeed-post/transplant-physicians-and-local-physicians-a-partnership-to-provide-best-care-to-every-patient/

@jullieh, Have you asked your doctors their reasons for and against continuing the prednisone? It is always okay to find out the benefits or risks involved.

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