Hello Rick @ricksch, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. I don't think any of us with PMR like taking prednisone but unfortunately it is the gold standard for PMR drugs because it controls the inflammation that causes most of the associated pain. In some cases Methotrexate is used for some people who don't respond to the prednisone. Mayo Clinic has some more information on diagnosis and treatment here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyalgia-rheumatica/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376545

Your doctor or rheumatologist normally will work with you on a tapering schedule to get you off of prednisone as soon as possible as long as the inflammation that is causing the pain is under control. There are also lifestyle and diet changes we can make ourselves to help. I did that my second time around with PMR and it took me almost half of the time it took me to taper off the first time my PMR was active. I was on prednisone for 3 and half years the first time before I could taper off with little to no pain. The second time the PMR came out of remission 6 years later, I had made some better eating and lifestyle choices and was able to taper off of prednisone in 1 and half years.

Here's some information you might find helpful - Diet and Lifestyle Changes That Can Aid in the Treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica: https://arthritissj.com/diet-and-lifestyle-changes-that-can-aid-in-the-treatment-of-polymyalgia-rheumatica/

Has your doctor or rheumatologist offered any suggestions for tapering off of prednisone or any lifestyle changes that might help you?