PredniSONE and sense of taste

I started with 60 mg per day for polymyalgia rheumatica and now after two years have weaned myself down to 5 mg per day. I have a side effect that I have not read anyone else having. It has effected my taste buds. Many foods that I loved in the past, have a foreign taste to me. I am 66, male and have tried to drop down to 2 1/2 mg but the pain is too intense to remain at that level, so had to return to 5 mg. I have lots of pain in the feet and especially toes. I can tell that I am getting better and am very anxious to get off of Prednisone.

Extreme Fatigue, Insomnia/Disturbances of Sleep Patterns, Increased Appetite/Weight Gain/Fluid Retention/Increased Fat Deposits, Changes in Mood, Nervousness, Increased Blood Pressure (now need RX), Depression, Bruising, Extreme Facial Redness (all over), Inflamed Esophagus, Muscle Weakness, Profuse Sweating (especially entire head and face), Distended Abdomen, Swollen Eyes, Acne on Back (excessive), Sun Sensitivity, Increased Thirst, Roundness of Face/Moon Face, Thick Neck/Double Chin...or more, Messed Up Sense of Taste, Teeth Sensitivity, Moodiness, Hair Loss....
SEEMS LIKE I'VE FORGOTTEN TO INCLUDE SOME OTHERS!
This is RUINING MY LIFE!

Have been taking Prednisone since January for a severe eye problem. Since there was a strong possibility that I could go blind, I had to take it. So far, I've only gained about 10-12 pounds...but keeping the pounds away has been tough! I'm now down to 7.5 mgm alternating with 5 mgm daily and my appetite has decreased, thankfully. All of my weight has accumulated from the waist up....which is typical. I continue to be bothered with hot flashes that come on suddenly and disappear within a few minutes. Eating a banana a day has eliminated the muscle cramps. Also, cutting back on salt helps the ankle/leg swelling. When I was on 60-30 mgm/day, I lost ALL sense of TASTE and SMELL! You'd think that would help with the appetite...but no! (One day, I ate six apples...as fast as I could!) Taste and smell is slowly returning.
Here's my two cents worth: 1. Prednisone is a powerful drug...don't mess around with it. If you stop taking it without tapering, you could place yourself in a life-threatening situation. 2. If Prednisone is precribed for you for an extended period of time, GET A SECOND OPINION. It is always possible that a newer, safer drug is available that your doctor may not be aware of. 3. Use the internet for finding the latest research pertaining your condition. Take copies of your findings to your health care providers. Be convinced that Prednisone is your only option.

My best to you all.....Mary