Paula
Hi florence I can sympathize with you..I have had PMR for almost 5 years and the first 3 years were total hell, even on pred. During the last 2 years, I have had good days and bad days[more bad but even 1 once in awhile helps] now I have about as many good days as I do bad ones and my pred is down to 2 1/2 daily. My Rheumie and I both want to get down more..I have tried 3 times in the last 3 months to get to 2..just can't stay there more than a week or 2 because there is so much pain. But...I was on 60 for the first month then went down to 40..20..then slower to 10. The last 2 years have been working my way down slowly and I don't know if I can ever get off pred...I take St John's Wort sometimes and also take plenty of calcium, vitamins and minerals.I gained about 25 # on the high doses of Prednisone, have managed to get rid of 12#. I do some mild stretching exercises and walk as much as I can..i have severe spinal stenosis and bad knees so my walking is limited. I also have Mitral Valve prolapse so I am short of breath and have some weird heartbeats that are scarey. But..I am 71 now, my brain still works, I never missed my grandson's basketball games, even though I had to be helped up and down the bleachers and was in so much pain, but I try to enjoy whatever life I can as I know I will never get back to what I was. I do have days I am some better so I am thankful for that. Try to hang in there..you can reply to this if you want to Email me to talk more.