@skiing Your proposed taper plan sounds reasonable (up 5 mgs. and then drop when you are stabilized to where you last felt good). Important to remember that prednisone does not cure PMR, it only covers the pain. Unfortunately, we need to modify our lifestyle (diet and level of exercise) to accomodate our disease. I can't do nearly as much exercise as I did before my diagnosis. Also, your CRP may be okay since you are taking prednisone which reduces inflammation. You are fortunate to have a doctor who trusts you to manage your prednisone. My rheumatologist does the same and I appreciate that. No one wants to be on prednisone (I certainly don't), and I don't take any more than I must to have even the limited quality of life I have. If you felt good at 9 mgs., you may need to stay there for awhile before attempting to taper to 8.5 which you were not ready for at this time.