DSNS didn't work for me either. I noticed the person who promotes this tapering plan says "it isn't slow if it works." However, that person has been unable to taper off for 14 years. In my opinion, 14 years is an extremely long time to be on prednisone. Apparently DSNS doesn't work for that person.

I would encourage people to try DSNS. You never know what might work for someone. I was a long time prednisone user too and kept trying to taper off prednisone. I felt like I knew how to taper off but I was unable to get off prednisone for 12 years after PMR was diagnosed. My goal was to get off prednisone somehow and I was willing to try anything that my doctor suggested.

My doctor suggested a biologic that wasn't approved to treat PMR . The person who advocates for DSNS said, "prednisone was the only option for PMR."

The biologic worked for me and I was able to taper off prednisone in 7 months after the biologic was started. I have been off prednisone for 3 years. I haven't been able to stop the biologic so I'm not cured. My rheumatologist admits the biologic isn't ideal but probably better than taking prednisone for the rest of my life.

I don't have any significant side effects from the biologic I'm taking. I can't say the same about prednisone because I had many side effects. My worst side effect of long term prednisone use was adrenal insufficiency. People need to be aware of this side effect.

I think most doctors are aware of this particular complication of long term prednisone use. I think that is why they want us off prednisone as soon as possible.