I have been off prednisone for nearly 3 years. I still have visits with my rheumatologist every 6 months or sooner if needed. My PMR condition is being treated with a biologic medication. Several other autoimmune conditions seem to be in remission. I have never been diagnosed with GCA but I still see an ophthalmologist regularly because one of my autoimmune conditions can cause vision loss just like GCA.

The "no pain" issue is confusing to me. I can't remember the last time I had no pain. My rheumatologist asks me about pain. I assume she wants to know if I'm having PMR pain. I say "no pain" is being caused by PMR or any of my other autoimmune conditions.

When my rheumatologist asks about other things that cause pain. I rate my pain as a "5" because that is my "normal" average pain level. This pain is caused by things which I don't associate with PMR or any of my other autoimmune conditions. Anything above "5" would be "abnormal" pain which might be PMR or autoimmune related.

When I say "no pain," I'm referring to pain and inflammation from my autoimmune conditions that prednisone might treat. I currently don't think I need prednisone for that kind of pain.

When I rate my pain as a "5," I'm referring to degenerative arthritis and other problems that I wouldn't treat with prednisone.

I think my rheumatologist understands me. When we talk about my back pain, she asks me what the neurosurgeon plans to do and what I'm taking for pain. My rheumatologist doesn't suggest I take prednisone but she is curious about why I don't take something else for pain. I guess a pain level of "5" is tolerable. The biologic I take works great for the rest of my autoimmune kind of pain.