After 8 years of PMR I have relapsed AGAIN

Yes, it is possible to find another doctor. I have been using civialian doctors since 2010, because in the past they gave immediate help for help with PMR. I am going back to the VA for treatment. It's a slow process at the VA, but if you can get an appointment the results have always been good for me. The problem is the long wait.

As long as you have enough pred to keep you going.

I am definitely not good at writing, or communicating . I know people can tell if they read much of what I write. I cannot respond to all responses, because it takes me to much time to type. The reason I signed back in to "Patient" is that I saw a reply from Christine. I don't remember her numbers after her name. She seemed to know a lot about Prednisone dosage and tapering. I hope I will be able to get advice from her. Thanks to everyone for your replies.

The doctors I see don't want me to say anything. My symptoms and thoughts only get smirks. They refuse to treat unless blood work supports PMR.

Gene, I understand that, my Rheumy threatened to stop seeing me. I gave article after article that were update on PMR, one of the article was a article that a person she knew of had contributed to. Finally she just give me prescriptions and extended my appointment. She is the only Rheumy

is this area. I stayed positive and worked to stay PMR pain free against her advice. Good luck Gene, listen to your body and do what is right for you. Smiling.☺️

I would like for someone to help me with the taper a lot of you suggested. DSNS, how do you keep up with what you are doing on such a long drawed out plan, without getting confused.

Use a diary or a calendar and highlighter pens, one colour for old dose, one colour for new dose.

On day 1 you will take a new level dose, mark it in the new dose colour - then count the number of days old dose and mark them with the old dose colour. Rinse and repeat. Cross off the day as you take the tablet

Thanks, that will work a lot better than what I have been doing.

Gene, I do much the same, I have a small calendar, I write out the DSNS schedule, the amount for each day all in pencil. Easy to cross off or erase. Since I take pills for several conditions I fill my weekly pill organizer once a week. If I have a flare, like I am now, it easy to make the adjustments. Good luck, stay positive with a smile. ☺️

Yes - should really have added: something you can rub out/erase is probably good and don't do weeks in advance - it is too complicated when you meet an obstacle which you almost inevitably do at some point!

When I was on warfarin my GP used to fill in the first week or two's pattern whe wanted me to use - in pen. I would return the next time with the rest filled in in pencil. She couldn't understand why - until the first itme it went pear-shaped. Rubbers rule! (or for our US friends: Erasers rule! Just doesn't have the same sound though...)

PS - many years ago my British daughter, living in Germany and attending the local US base church and attending Sunday Scool requested a rubber from the teacher. Who promptly dragged her to the Supervisor. Luckily that lady had also lived in the UK and explained gently  

Rubber means something else entirely on this side of the Pond.  

Yes, it does! Funny how we share the same language and meaning can be that different. But I am from the little state of Rhode Island, we have a language alone. We have foods that are only found in RI and different names for items that are found across the country. Funny! ☺️

I know - why I told the tale!!!! Nat was a whole 5 or 6 years old so I can only imagine what the lady concerned thought of me!