Alan,like you I found my spinal stenosis returned when I stopped the pred the same as your lrg.
I can normally take weight of easy but having taken 28lbs off in October in Two weeks before the pred clicked in It has been a struggle since and water retension becomes a real problem.
I have a waking seat cane and use it to get around two or thee miles intwo hours or more by sitting down when the numbness in my right leg kicks in.
Even slow take one wrong food and my weight increases not decreases.
I hope you have more success in your reduction for your Ozz trip