I find that you really can't get tooo many vet opinions when you are dealing with a very difficult situation as this. I know that Pred is not as hard on cats as it is on humans. But I understand your reluctance to put him on this. My husband also has Crohn's and was on Pred for so long he has had muscle/bone damage in his shoulder. I wish I knew a good vet in CA. I used to live in Encinitas many years ago but the vet we used has since retired. I really hope you can find some answers. The problem is that there are so many possible paths to take...finding the right one for your and Micah is the toughest part.