Wandering through the internet looking for something else I found this interesting and encouraging summary of recent research:
medscape.com/viewarticle/86...
Basically doses of 5 and lower are safe for long term treatment of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Doses above 10 are potentially harmful for long term treatment, and between 5-10 depends on the individual patient.
Hi,
“The task force defined long-term GC usage as use for at least 3 to 6 months.”
Good news for some - but for most on here long-term is considerably more than 6 months - but it’s a start.
It does say "at least" and they mention RA specifically, where someone might need treatment basically forever.
Oh dear- I've been on 11mgs for many years......No choice though...
They didn't go into the issue of different people's metabolism, except to say between 5 and 10 (which is kind of close to 11) effects varied according to the individual. I feel that I, for example, am very sensitive to pred. This is probably why I was able to reduce to a pretty low dose relatively quickly (3 mg from 15 within first year). On the other hand even at 1 mg I still feel I have some side effects. And then there are others who don't absorb pred as efficiently and would need more, but on the other hand probably don't have the same sensitivity to side effects.
thank you.I know people who have been taking low dose prednisolone for years -decades for other conditions.Disease held at bay ,no[apparant]problems with this use of drug.Also animals?
Heron, I wondered if you have seen this from Eric Mattesons small research stuff.
practicalpainmanagement.com...
If you have seen it, sorry for wasting your time.
Oh yes, many times. This article is to be added to our arsenal when some of us have to fight uninformed medics who want us off pred almost before it's had a chance to help us feel better!
Did not think you would have missed it, just belts and braces.
I keep on sending it out, although I did retire....................
Low dose of Pred long term for GCA
long term low mgs Prednisone ?
Low dose of Pred affecting my mood 
Low dose prednisone question
Decreasing dose. 
