This is very important information! Many types of autoimmune flares respond with a burst of high dose of prednisone followed by a fast taper. In my case PMR didn't respond this way but just because people are diagnosed with PMR doesn't mean that long term prednisone is always necessary.

I would say the longer you take prednisone, slowly tapering off prednisone is necessary and in fact safer regardless of whether the problem is ongoing PMR or not.

Often times an infection becomes chronic and you may not even be aware that you have an infection. Even a treated infection can leave debris deposited in various places that can cause an immune response or "flare."

I was diagnosed with "reactive arthritis" long before PMR was diagnosed. Reactive arthritis derives its name from a reaction to an infection. It too is often treated with antibiotics and prednisone. However, the reaction to the infection often happens weeks or month after the infection is "gone."

I agree 100% with you. I have started methylprednisolone in March for initial PMR and have had recurring infections ever since! UTI was the first I ever had, then intestinal infection, now ear infection, etc. I’m down to 2 mg of my, feeling pretty good, but it’s not over yet. My CRP level is now normal (from 79 to 11) so I’m hoping I’m through the worst of it.

Hi @loujc, After a year of symptoms of PMR and GCA, my GCA was diagnosed by a friend, an infectious disease specialist. He is familiar with PMR and GCA because those with symptoms are often referred to him by physicians who believe their patients have infectious diseases. He said he suspected I had GCA, and told me what tests to ask my PCP to order. MY PCP scoffed when I told him and said if I had GCA I'd be blind. He called to apologize a few days later when my inflammation markers were off the charts.
A good diagnostician will review all the symptoms, lab test results and try to put them together vs. chasing every symptom and test result down a separate path.