@zaa I don't really think anyone can answer your question with any kind of authority. The prednisone is the miracle drug for PMR and does manage the pain by addressing the inflammation that causes the pain. My first flare up of PMR was 2007 and it lasted 3-1/2 years until I was finally able to taper off of prednisone. It stayed in remission for 6 years and I was on prednisone again but was able to taper off in mid 2018. It's still in remission and I'm hoping it stays that way. I did make some lifestyle changes after my second flare up of PMR - lost weight, exercise more, focused on eating healthier and avoiding foods that can be inflammatory.

Here's a YouTube video you might find helpful.

I had my first bout of PMR thirteen years ago. It lasted six months and then slowly resolved with intermittent doses of prednisone, and I was pain free until it flared again in early 2021 after I took the Covid vaccination. I am now tapering off of prednisone and am down to 7.5 mgs. Prednisone is not a cure, but it relieves the pain and inflammation until the PMR goes into remission, which in most or many cases it eventually does. I hope this helps and I hope you feel better soon.

I am on my 3rd bout of PMR. I had my first bout in my 50’s and, after a long bout of stiffness and pain, prednisone literally gave me overnight relief. It took 2 years to get off prednisone and I had a 12 year remission. I am now 74 and on my 3rd bout, currently reducing from 5 to 4 mg pred, taking it slow. I had a little uptake of pred with the vaccine, but felt like it meant the vaccine was working. I am on no special diet, but am a pretty healthy eater. I walk an hour a day and am active. The only precaution from my 1st rheumatologist was to avoid weights due to risk of tendinitis. Side-effect of pred was rising pressures in my eyes and I get that checked every 6 months. Prednisone reduction for me goes quickly until 7 mg, then I take it very slow. 3rd bout started about 1 1/2 years ago and I suspect I will be at least a year before I totally get off prednisone (if ever). It is a bit of a mysterious disease and seems to effect people differently. I do split my prednisone dose as it seems to give me better coverage. Sorry you have to wait a week before seeing rheumatologist.

Just to manage expectations...according to the latest studies, the average length of duration for PMR is 5.9 years. Prednisone is the only medicine that helps. And with prednisone, once you experience the "miracle response," the objective isn't a relentless drive to zero. It's taking it slow and finding the lowest dose where you feel reasonably well. It took me six weeks to get diagnosed and I was paralyzed with pain so I understand your difficulty at the moment. If it's PMR, you should feel relief immediately or within a few days. I felt great until I got below 10mgs. Now it's a slow slog. If I go too fast, I wind up having to go back to a higher dose and rest there awhile. So take it slow and easy, and I hope you get relief soon.