Hello Teri, thank you for your comments. I got off to an awful start just getting Prednisone. I had no idea how to evaluate the medical care I was getting because I have been blessed with wonderful good health (I'm almost 75), and only saw my GP once a year. He did diagnose me right away, prescribed Prednisone but didn't call in the Rx for a week. Even after repeated calls, the Rx wasn't ordered. After seven days I dragged myself to his office in tears and refused to leave until the order was sent to the pharmacy. Relief was instantaneous, but there was no follow up, so three weeks later I was in the same situation. I finally saw another doctor in the practice who is now trying to taper me down from 10 mg to 5. This has not worked so far, and I put myself back on 10 mg. This week I am trying to reduce the dose to 7.5 mg. This forum is really educating me as to dosages and working through the medical field. I see that you are in Canada, whereas I am in South Carolina and a Medicare patient. Were you immediately referred to a rheumatologist? I am wondering if I should take matters in my own hands and find one.

What tests did they use to diagnose your Arteritis? How long were you on 40mg of prednisone, I thought you had to stay at that level for a month? I am having symptoms of PMR and arteritis, but my blood work is normal and 2 years ago I had negative artery biopsy's on both sides. But since then, my left sided headaches have continued off and on. I've read the biopsys and blook work are sometimes normal even if you have it.