Just before I was diagnosed, and before I saw a rheum., my family Dr prescribed prednisone for me. It was a tapering dose for roughy 12-16 days. It worked great for all of the swelling. The only side affect for me was a little jitteriness and had a little trouble getting to sleep. Regardless, I was so pleased that I asked for more at my first rheum. appointment. The Dr refused and said it was too hard on the stomach and not something that you should be on for very long.
In short, it worked well while I was on it. Good Luck
