About 2 months ago, after having experienced the serious suffering most or all of you have described, I was diagnosed with PMR. What I read today on our PMR support group, prompted me to offer comment for the first time. I will be 73 years old in 2 months and have been very active physically and eating well for many years. Since joining our PMR group and reading most of what has been shared, I have learned a lot, including the possibility of not having a pleasant future as I get older. Although, still being new at this, it appears that I have an excellent Rheumatologist. He stated me on 30 mg and after 4-5 days my pain was gone and I keep feeling better and stronger. In a few weeks, I will reduce my dosage by 5 mg every week until I get down to 10 mg. I have a phone consultation with my rheumatologist about every 2 weeks. I have a Lab test every month, and in a few months, I will have a bone density test. (all this as per my rheumatologist instruction). Based on what I have read on our PMR support group, including the importance of "good Nutrition" and "exercise", I have decided to focus on this and also to keep a daily log. I have learned that PMR is complicated but I have decided to do my part and everything in my power to get the best result and hopefully continue to enjoy getting older. I also decided that if it does not go as well as I hope, I will accept the outcome and know that I have done my best. I feel optimistic but somewhat nervous, especially the possible negative consequences of lowing the dosage. I used to eat healthy but now, I eat extremely healthy food. I used to drink healthy smoothies every day but now I have 2 large mug of even healthier smoothies every day (Almond milk and/or Chocolate Premier Protein drink, 1 banana, (kale or baby spinach or broccoli), pure Cocoa powder, almond butter, low fat Greek yogurt, Strawberries or blueberries or pineapple, TUMERIC, CHIA SEEDS, FLAXSEEDS), I also drink a lot water with lemon which reduces cholesterol and inflammation, and I also add a little of ginger - I big job each day). I started with walking slowly 6 miles a day and then progressed from there. I now walk 4 miles fast and run 2 miles each day. I also do floor and stretching exercise, and light weight training 5-6 days each week. So far, I have not gained weight and I feel great and seem to feel better and stronger. Of course, based on what I have read, everything can change quickly and I read that the situation and outcome may be different for each person. PS: For me, I take Prednisone only once a day at 7am and I am completely free of pain 24 hours a day. We will see what happens when my dosage will start going down. Sorry for the long email. I hope this helps a little. Thanks for all the information and experiences you share.

JP