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.