PMR and knee replacement for an older person

I am a 79 year old female who was very active and healthy a few years ago.  I don't drive so walked everywhere in my small Oregon town, took yoga twice a week, walked the dog daily, and danced every chance offered. 

September 2014, GP Dr. gave me Levofloxacin (also know by other names) for possible long term pneumonia.  I took it for two or three days and could not climb the stairs, lost control of my leg muscles.   Dr. noted that the drug seemed to trigger RA.  There was a lawsuit on this drug, which I/she was not aware of at the time.  Then I had all the bad effects of this drug including a rotator tear during a CTScan, difficulty walking, night sweats, weight loss of 20 lbs over a few months.  I lived on 800 mgs of Ibuprofen a day for pain for a year.  I was given Steroid shots to the shoulder and knees in 2015 by orthopedic surgeon.

January 2016, new GP Dr. suggested  Prednisone.   I started at 15 mgs and felt wonderful and could walk the dog again.   Months later, after blood tests and scans, July 2016, new dr. stated that I had PMR.  I reduced dosage too soon a couple of times.  5 mgs too low so I have been advised to stay at 6 mgs for a few months.

In addition to PMR, I have bursitis in my left hip and use a cane to relieve pressure while walking.  Also osteoporosis of both knees, the right one needing immediate replacement, damaged several times thru the years.  I am awaiting confirmation of a surgery date in April.  I am able to walk after the steroid shot fades by icing the knee several times a day and wrapping it up so that it will not fall apart.  I worry about my age and whether the knee will be difficult to heal because of prednisone use or the presence of PMR.

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