As far as split doses.

My PCP first diagnosed my PMR while I was waiting to see a rheumatologist. We started at 20mg once a day and when we followed up a week or so later, I mentioned that it seemed to start wearing off before bedtime and it was very uncomfortable sleeping. So we made the logical decision to split 10 and 10 morning and evening and things worked out great.

A month and a half later, I finally had my initial visit to the rheumy, she confirmed it was PMR, but then went on to question why I was on such a "high dose" and why I split doses. I felt this was in a very condescending way! She insisted I start tapering immediately by 2.5 on a two week schedule and was very insistent I only take in the morning. So I went to 17.5 in the morning and a couple days later the pain and stiffness returned pretty significantly. I went back to 10/10 for a couple of days and immediately improved. I then went to 10 morning and 7.5 evening and this worked with minimal shoulder pain. I've since tapered to 10/5, maintaining the same minimal shoulder pain. I will keep the split dose and tapering at a schedule my body tells me is OK. Also, per other recommendations in these discussion, I will stick to a 10% taper to avoid shocking the system.

My personal opinion is that some doctors are "book learners" and stick to the "published game plan" while others are "listeners" with good common sense. I'm glad many here have good common sense doctors and encourage the others to have a heartfelt discussion with their doctor. At my follow up in a couple of months, I will have a frank discussion on what works with me and will mention about this forum. I will be open minded to her suggestions as well, but if she still doesn't listen to what my body is telling me, then I will need find another doctor.