kmeikle1,
I did wean off the prednisone, after being on it one year, and I will never go back on it. I was Osteopenic when I started on prednisone, a very active 77 year old, and am now full blown with Osteoporosis! I suffered a fractured rib and a fractured vertebrae, in two separate incidents this year, plus had almost every prednisone side effect listed. I also ended up having cataract surgery!! It's my understanding that prednisone is the only known medication that relieves PMR, but I had no clue what an impact it could, and did, have on my body. People react differently to meds, but I would strongly suggest anyone being on it have a bone density test!!! Currently, I'm listed as high risk for fractures and will need to do daily injections (in my stomach), for 2 years, to rebuild my bone. These injections will cost me +$500 a month, out-of-pocket, unless I can qualify for assistance from the pharmaceutical company. I've been advised by my endocrinologist that I seriously need to do this. My objective here is to make people aware of the importance of bone testing if they're on prednisone long term!! I t is critical!