Hi @chzuck, I've had two occurrences of PMR. Starting at 20mg prednisone for both. I always took my dose when I got up in the morning per my rheumatologist. I also only tapered when my pain level was acceptable (less than 2 on my scale of 0 to 10). The first time it took 3 and a half years to taper off, the second time six years later took 1 and a half years to taper off. I am also still dealing with thin skin even though my PMR has been in remission for over 5 years now.

What helped me the second time around was changing my lifestyle - eating healthier and exercising more. Probably the biggest factor was eliminating as much processed food and sugar as possible. Do you keep a daily log to record your level of pain in the morning and the dose of prednisone?

I am on methotrexate and it has helped me wean down off of prednisone. I do have one down day a week with the MTX. Some nausea , headache, fatigue. Totally worth it to get off the pred. Also each week I take it the side effects diminish. I’m down from 40mg of pred to, like you, 10mg of the pred. Headed down to 9mg next week. I also take whole dose of pred in am. I’m stiff and
Painful in am and this gives me a good day. I use tile Lo in between for pain and mostly that works fine.

Chzuck,
I am currently on 5mg per day taking it in the morning. I have taken it your way, am/pm, and now I am taking 7.5 mg meloxicam in the pm to ward of night pain. My prednisone seems to wear off quickly. Maybe just me.
5 mg is not doing the trick. Will discuss next Wednesday with rheumatologist. Hope you get it worked out.
I have the same thin skin issue on my arms but I don’t believe it is caused by the prednisone. I had it long before I started prednisone for my PMR.
Blessings

chzuck, I can relate to your concerns. In the beginning I was splitting my dose thinking the evening dose would alleviate the morning pain but when I got down to a very low dose it was hard to decide whether to taper the morning or evening dose. I am currently taking an 8mg morning dose.
3 yrs ago I had a very nasty lower leg laceration requiring 12 stitches. It did not heal well at all. I made an appt at the local hospital wound care center. I felt great relief walking out of there that day. For a few weeks I used a xeroform guaze dressing and it then healed nicely. You may need a Dr prescription to purchase it, at least get Dr advice before using it.
I have tried a few different skin lotions to help with the crepey skin. Daily use, esp on my arms, seems to help.
As far as mtx, it has been recommended to me but I am still debating with myself that decision.
suzanne

I had no skin problems before starting prednisone for PMR. But I bruise and tear very easily now. I asked my dermatologist if there was anything I could do to help the thinning skin. "Nope," was what he said, with an expression both amused and pained.