I haven't had GCA but have had 2 occurrences of PMR. First time took 3 and half years to get off of prednisone and I was in remission for 6 years before the PMR came back. The second time I was able to taper off in 1 and half years which I think was more about making additional lifestyle changes that I didn't do my first time around with PMR. I've been in remission from the second time around since the fall of 2018 so guess I'm pushing a little over 4 years now being off of prednisone. I guess time will tell 🙂

I enjoyed a thirteen year remission after my first occurrence of PMR. The symptoms returned after a Covid vaccination in 2021. I am now in remission again and have been for over a year.

Hi @krueg, PMR and GCA are described as "self-limiting diseases" that eventually burn themselves out. My mother-in-law got GCA when she was in her 80s. I wish I had paid more attention, but she had it for a while, maybe a few years, then it stopped. I remember she told me that her doctor said all traces were gone. She lived to nearly 100 and did not relapse.

I've been in remission since October. I try to be careful, not stress myself out or do too much as I want to avoid a relapse as much as possible. I wish you the best.