I've seen this trick referred to as "the poor man's diagnosis." It's commonly used, not foolproof, but can be one more factor in arriving at a diagnosis. Osteoarthritis usually does not respond as dramatically as RA can to prednisone. A response strongly implies that your problem is inflammatory.

My first rheumy gave me 7.5mg. right away, while waiting for blood tests and all to come back that would allow me to start methotrexate.

What option is she looking at, RA vs. OA? RA vs. lupus or PsA?

I had a round of prednisone (at 20mg a day for 4 days, then 10mg for 4 days, then 5mg for 4 days, then 1 mg until I saw my doctor again) by my rheum at the beginning.
It made a huge difference. It was euphoric and I didn't hurt. My blood work was all positive, but this was prescribed the day of the blood work before we knew. I went back to see the doctor three weeks after the blood work.

Yes. I'm seronegative so this is one tool that my rheumatologist used to confirm diagnosis. She was also able to observe redness, heat, and some swelling on examination. I had been diagnosed more than 20 years prior but didn't have the medical records and they need *something* to support their diagnosis when the lab tests won't do it.

But my test was more like bcatz's. She started me at 15 or 20 mg and gave me a plan for a slow taper.

My doctor did not use this, but I did!

I had a bad asthma attack, at the point where I could barely walk I was so flared! I was put on 40 mg of prednisone for 5 days.

Woe!! I felt so good. The swelling went down. I could stand again. It was then I knew, despite the stupid docs that something was dramatically wrong with my body.

I went on disability, but not for RA, which I didn't have a diagnosis for, but for depression. And you can believe after a few years of unmedicated RA pain I was pretty miserable and depressed.

I finally found an internist who said he didn't know what was wrong, but put me on permanent 15 mg of prednisone. It helped, but not as much as 40 mg.

In fact, it was another 6 months before I finally found a rheumatologist who had the sense not to look at my zero sed rate, but instead at my symptoms and give me a diagnosis.

Personally, if you were as bad as me, I can't fathom why a credible doctor wouldn't have seen it was obviously RA and diagnose and being treatment.

Mind you, that started 18 years ago, and I guess they didn't know as much as they do today.

yep and it repeats every time I have a lung infection which is emotional hell.

cause like buddha, but for different reasons, I am given mega high start tapers for my crappy lungs. this causes emotional havoc with me. disease gone while opening lungs. walk on water. usual and customary disease back. mental crash.

depot

While I don't have RA (due to all negative blood testing) prednisone was used to help Dx my psoriatic arthritis. They were trying to call it OA but my response to prednisone changed their minds. Tho 5mg didn't do anything for me, it was a high dose blast and then slow taper that made a difference for me.

As is with anyone, I am just relating my experience with prednisone.

Just be careful about long-term use because it can donore damage than good. It isngreat for flares but my rheumy had me in it for years because of the pain and swelling. I ended having a hip replacement because prednisone and RA ate up my hip joint.

Yes. I also felt amazing on prednisone. I wish I could take it more, but it's one of the drugs I'm very nervous about- pick your battles right? Best of luck to you.
Juls

Me too... I felt amazing with prednisone. But after a long period of use I ended up with cataracts in both eyes. Not to mention weight gain, moon face, and hump bk.

I wish u luck,

Roni