The original poster said the following:
"The Mayo rheumatologist did put my mind at ease by explaining he’s had patients on much higher doses for over 6 years and never NOT had adrenal glands recover. "

I took high doses of prednisone for more than 12 years for PMR and other autoimmune problems. I didn't like prednisone either and I believe it was adrenal suppression that was causing most of the problems.

Cortisol is what regulates inflammation. Whenever my prednisone dose wasn't high enough, I flared. Prednisone replaces the cortisol the adrenals produce. People either need prednisone or cortisol from the adrenals. Unfortunately, the adrenals won't produce cortisol until a person can maintain a low dose of prednisone for an extended period of time.

The biologic I took kept the inflammation in check while I maintained a low dose of prednisone. The low dose of prednisone allowed my adrenals time to get up to speed and start producing "adequate" amounts of cortisol again. My endocrinologist said my cortisol might not be adequate all the time but I could take prednisone again if I needed to. I was able to eventually get off prednisone but it took several attempts.

Getting off prednisone would have never happened except for the biologic I took. My rheumatologist said a biologic was my best chance of ever getting off prednisone.

An "expert" on another forum suggested I take prednisone for the rest of my life. I'm glad I opted for the biologic instead. I have been off prednisone for almost 4 years and I feel much better being off prednisone. It is a personal choice and a biologic may not be the best option for everyone.

Is it too late to register for the "Great Debate?"