Your dilemma sounds somewhat like mine. I have been on prednisone a LOT since being diagnosed in 98. There were a few years here and there that I have been able to be off it, but since being hospitalized in May of 08 I would say I have been on taking prednisone on and off for thirteen months. I also started Remicade in Nov. I have had three infusions. I was on prednisone during my first two infusions but off it at my third infusion. Two days after my 3rd infusion, I suffered diarrhea, nausea, chills, body aches and fever of 101. Since that only lasted 24 yrs, I attributed it to a stomach virus. Well, a few days later, I started back with my UC symptoms....bleeding, urgency. The doctor placed me back on prednisone two weeks ago Friday...he jump started it at 40 mgm for one day then 20 for the next five days, 10 for the next five and I am currently at 5 mgm. I still have urgency and mucus...no bleeding. I use the cort suppositories and still on Colazal. Most likely be on Colazal the rest of my life.
My GI said that we have to sit tight and see what happens after my next infusion of Remicade on the 26th of this month. We are hoping the reaction I suffered was a stomach virus and that I haven't built up antibodies to Remicade. My next step will be Humira if need be. I want to hang unto my colon as long as possible.
By the way, that is an extremely slow taper your doctor had you on. My GI hates me being on prednisone. He calls it the best/worse drug, but it has been the only thing that has helped me achieve remission.