Hi @lorraine59, I sympathize with you as the pain of PMR is like no other. I can't imagine suffering with it for five years. I am not an M.D, but I'll quote from Cecil and Goldman's Textbook of Medicine, "Both PMR and GCA are highly responsive to corticosteroids...This response is so characteristic that an immediate and dramatic improvement in PMR and GCA symptoms within 1-3 days after steroid institution supports the diagnosis..PMR usually responds to 15 mg of prednisone daily...Within 2-3 days of institution of steroids, most symptoms of ...PMR clear rapidly and patients describe a miraculous improvement.". Were you ever on a higher dosage of prednisone with good results? I initially went to my PCP, a family practitioner with my symptoms, after suffering for 4 months, he ordered blood tests, but did not refer me to a rheumatologist. I had slightly elevated inflammation markers at that time. Months later, symptoms of PMR went away, but I had different pains, anemia, and anorexia. A friend, an infectious disease doctor, got involved, reviewed some of my lab work, and told me to ask my PCP for more tests. He scoffed at everything, but I pushed him. He even laughed at me when I told him I probably had Giant Cell Arteritis (per my friend) and said, if I had it I'd be blind. Long story short, my inflammation markers were off the charts and I was referred to a rheumatologist, who has treated about 70 people with PMR and GCA. Later, the PCP told me he missed the diagnosis because my symptoms weren't textbook. So, after five years of suffering, it may be wise to get switch doctors and get under the care of a rheumatologist with expertise in this disorder, if you aren't already. Best wishes for less pain.