I took some very good advice from a member of this forum that prednisone should only be tapered 1 mg at a time. I was having trouble tapering down 5 mg at a time as recommended by my GP. When I was able to consult with a rheumatologist, he concurred with tapering 1 mg at a time, monthly. I have gone from 9 mg to 7 mg without much pain. My rheumatologist also noted that some people have trouble tapering down from 5 mg to zero. As for fatigue, in all my 75 years, I have never taken naps. Now that afternoon siesta is very welcome. I also find it amazing that I can sleep a full 8-10 hours a night, get up early, drink a strong cup of coffee, eat a small breakfast, take prednisone along with one extra strength Tylenol and go back to bed and sleep another two hours! By the time I wake up again, most of the stiffness has gone. By noon I'm in good shape. If extra sleep gets me through this, it's a good trade. Sorry about the "barnacles", I had one on my hand that has completely disappeared. If prednisone only did the same thing for a fat tummy! Good luck--don't taper too fast.