Thanks. I wish I had a GP. He retired end of Nov. 2021. Prior to this he referred me to a Neurologist, who I talk with sporadically and actually saw him in person last week. I think the pain scale while weaning is a good idea, although he didn't suggest that. Just brought it back down to 15 mg. for the last 4 days. Hip flexor pain has started up again, with the right one giving out occasionally. Legs are extremely tired. Nevertheless, it's manageable. My GP blamed my earlier symptons (back in August/September) on old age and the fact that my hand was going numb and looked like a claw. Finally, he sent me for some blood work for RA (because I insisted) and the CRP was 33.6. It's very difficult to get in to see a specialist of any kind here in Nova Scotia, so I guess that's why the Neurologist. I was never diagnosed until January '22. The weaning will continue. His suggestion is 2.5 mg down every couple of weeks. I think this is probably a little ambitious, but will try it. If it's too much, I'll bump it back up a notch. Had blood work done yesterday and it will be interesting to see where my levels are since February. I think the weaning process is very much something which is different for each of us. My life has changed, but at least I've gotten a lot of it back. Pros and cons of Prednisone.

My primary care provider (she is an internist) said "that sounds like PMR", right off the bat. She drew labs then (all normal) and began 20 mg. of prednisone. I was pain free within 48 hours. She said this quick response to steroids was almost diagnostic for PMR. Then while working through a taper and symptoms would come and go she and I thought a referral to a rheumatologist would be helpful. He drew many more labs, reviewed PMR and other autoimmune dx's but seconded My PCP's dx and treatment. He even said "you are the poster child for PMR" ..acute onset of symptoms, 70 year old white female. This was very reassuring to me (?poster child) and lessened my concerns that "something else" was going on. I am down to 3.75 mg of pred after 10 months, but still I have aches and stiffness especially with exercise. The challenge now is trying to find that balance and take the least amount of meds. This group chatting has been helpful as it has showed me the broad experiences with PMR that folks have.