I don't think there's any such thing as a "normal" taper. Your doctor will dose you according to the severity of your condition. The last time I was on pred, I was started at 40 mg. After a week, I reduced by 5mg and continued to do so each week until I was off of it. That's a relatively fast taper, but my flare was mild and I do alot of other things - dietary manipulations and supplements that reduce my need for meds.
I'd highly recommend you check out Coping With Prednisone: It May Work Miracles, but How Do You Handle the Side-Effects?
http://www.amazon.com/Coping-Prednisone-Miracles-Cortisone-Related-Medicines/dp/B0002Y6AEO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207230870&sr=8-1
Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis spring 1999.
Maintenance dose sulfasalazine.
Probiotics, l-glutamine and fish oil caps. George's aloe vera juice. Oregano oil antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal.