After taking prednisone for almost 3 yrs. I desperately wanted to get off of it. I weaned very slowly from 3mgs. a half tablet every two weeks. When I had been on 1 mg. for 8 or 9 days I could barely get up and down out of a chair and walking was an effort. So much for saying goodbye to prednisone. I am now taking 4 mg. and will try to go back to 3mg. soon. Obviously PMR is still very much with me.

Dr. Gupta in Great Britain (a PMR expert) is now leaving patients on 2-3 mgs. prednisone. Shows benefit and minimal/no side-effects. Check healthunlocked.com for more info (that's a social network for health issues and they have a large, well-informed group with PMR/GCA).

My first indication that something wasn't right was when I was in such discomfort/pain. I tried getting into Orthopedics but the wait was too long. I then found out about an urgent care Orthopedics clinic near me. That Dr. thought that it might be PMR (first I've ever heard of it). He started me on 50mg/day for 3 days, then 40mg for 3 days, then 30...etc. etc. As I decreased the dose the pain returned. Five days later of totally being off the meds I had a regular appointment with the Orthopedic doctor. He did blood work, xrays, etc. and confirmed it. I then met with a Rheumatologist whom I love and sticking with. She placed me on an extended prednisone plan. I pray that as I eventually decrease the amount that it will finally be gone. Thank you for sharing your question.