Joanne
I also have been diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica. As far as the physicians and pharmacists are aware that I know, there is no other drug that will work. I have been on 40 mg. for 15 days, and then dropping 10 mg every 15 days until I get down to 5. I have been through this regiment twice already and it has gotten bad again when I get down to 10 mg. As far as my doctor and nurse practitioner who are treating me know, this is something that I will have the rest of my life and the pain gets so bad when I am off the prednisone that I have to use a cane to walk and end up sitting in my chair for an hour sometimes instead of getting up because of the pain in arising. I hope and pray that they will find something for you. I have been suffering with this disease off and on for about 15 years. It has gotten better at times, but then when it hits again, it seems worse than the time before. I am on Neurontin - 1800 mg per day and ultram 200 mg per day and still have to take Tylenol sometimes. I keep hoping each time that it will not come back and will remain in remission; however, so far, this hasn't happened. My prayers are with you that you will get better in time - I think I am past that. Have they tried any of the arthritis medications on you? I have barrett's esophagus and can't take these, but some people have gotten some relief with Viox or Celebrex. A Rheumatologist is your best bet to get the latest and greatest for this. Good luck.