PredniSONE Polymyalgia Rhumatica, Knee Replacement Surgery, Weight Watchers, Water Aerobics, Weight Gain

I've been on Prednisone for a couple of months and am now starting to step down on the dosage. After ruling out several different maladies, I was diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rhumatica. Knowing the possible side effects, especially weight gain, I was reluctant to go on it, but my family said they'd love me anyway even if I did look like a chipmunk! Initially, I loved the stuff. Within a few days, my pain went away, my energy level was soaring, and I felt like I was 20 years younger. I started doing things I hadn't done in years like my art work. I felt like I was born again. Then came the time to start cutting back by 2 1/2 mg. every two weeks. I did that twice and now I'm dragging again. I'm up and around for 4 - 6 hours and then I have to go to sleep. I need to get completely off the Prednisone before I can have some much needed knee replacement surgery. Some people with Polymyalgia Rhumatica find it necessary to go on maintenance doses of Prednisone. It looks like that might me me, so I'm going to be some miserable person for a couple of months until I can have my surgery and go back on it. In addition to the possible weight gain, I'm also fearful of the osteoporosis. To offset the negatives of Prednisone, I have signed up for Weight Watchers and take water aerobics twice a week. For the hours that I'm up and about, I try really hard to keep moving like walking the dog, working in the garden, etc. I don't hate the Prednisone, I hate the condition which has necessitated my taking it.