You may find information on polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) on the Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center website. http://www.hopkinsvasculitis.org
Prednisone is the standard treatment for PMR usually with a slow taper. Some patients need to be on low doses of prednisone (but sometimes only 1-2 mg/day) for several years. Your intial response is encouraging. Of course steroids do have side effects, but many of these can be decreased using lower doses and providing other agents(such as calcium, vitamin D, and potentially other agents) to protect the bones. If you have not yet seen a rheumatologist, one may be able to assist in your management.
