@christopherc, My first time with PMR lasted 3-1/2 years until I could taper off of prednisone. It came back 6 years later and I was able to taper off of prednisone in 1-1/2 years. I've been in what I consider remission for almost 6 years again and I'm hoping the overwhelming pain that I associated with PMR never darkens the doors again. I still wake up with stiffness and some body aches every morning but I expect that since I'm 80 and have degenerative arthritis and lower back issues. I still try to get in 30 to 45 minutes a day exercise on my recumbent cross trainer exercise bike and try to keep up with the yard work and snow removal when the time comes.

To me, staying as active as possible has helped with the stiffness. I just try not to overdo the exercising to make the joints worse. There have been days when I think the PMR might be back due to shoulder joint pain but it's really nothing like my two occurrences of PMR in intensity so I chalk it up to other things and slap a little arthritis cream or Voltaren gel on it for some relief.