Pain in hip and shoulders remedied by prednisone sounds like PMR. And I wonder who the "we" is in "we don't do that." Prednisone doesn't cure PMR; it's supposed to cover the pain. If you're in pain you are not getting enough prednisone. Don't taper at all if you're in pain and 10% reductions are common. Slow and easy. Everyone is different and we can't follow a tapering schedule (unless that schedule works which would be indicated by little pain). I agree, no one wants off of prednisone more than me (and most all of us who are on it). You may want to find a rheumy who will work with you, not just with some schedule.