Dear MSawyer, Pharmaceutical medication has it's place in treatment, but many cases of RA can be reduced in severity by treating the underlying causes. RA and other autoimmune diseases can be traced back to dietary inflammation that can be the root cause. Vitamin D3, in the correct dose, can also be essential for this treatment. You cannot stop your prednisone without first reducing the inflammatory response, then perhaops your physician will agree to reduce or change your therapy. Food sensitivity testing and a copy of your physician's labwork is a good place to start. If you prefer to meet first, please call our office for a brief appointment. I am happy to help you with this process, otherwide you will face a lifetime of stronger and higher doses of medicine.