Hi @abbeyc. Since my ESR and CRP were always normal (that's true for about 20% of us), my rheumatologist rarely does any blood work for me. If she's trouble-shooting some issue she will, but that's infrequent. Monthly seems a bit much especially if you're taking prednisone which will affect your inflammation markers. I've had PMR for 2.5 years and typically see my rheumy every three months. Tapering schedules may be useful, but you must let your body dictate your need for prednisone.