Thank you, but I'll need to be patient and wait a few days. It's disheartening that the prednisone has had such a slight response, particularly since I have osteoporosis and Prednisone attacks bone mass (I take Alondronate). I am in pain, but it's bearable and I do have a doctor treating me. This isn't a sudden onset situation, or one in which things have worsened.

We're considered to be rural. The local medical clinic (14 doctors total serving the area) has a recording saying that after-hour emergencies should go to the hospital, which is in the next town 15 miles away. Those who go to the Emergency Room tend to have a very long wait - I'm not sure yet what auto-immune means, but it feels like I shouldn't spend hours sitting with sick people. As things stand, I have bloodwork scheduled locally for Tuesday, will see the treating doctor on Wednesday.

I began with 20mg (5/13) of prednisone and got some relief but there was still some pain and muscle stiffness. Doctor said to increase to 30 mg. (5/30). Pain was gone in a day. I have slowly tapered prednisone and am now at 12.5mg. When I get to 10mg, taper will be very slow, 1mg per month with the goal of 0. Of course, so much depends on my body’s reaction. So far no flare ups. Dr did say that if I experience a flare to go back to previous dosage for a while. I am seeing her in 10 days. I agree that you should probably talk to a dr before increasing your dosage. So sorry that you are having trouble getting through to a doctor.