Thanks, @sunnyflower The side-effects I have had, other than osteoporosis from prednisone, have not been permanent so far, I think. I say I think because I have been a lot of trouble with lightheadedness and terrible fluid retention recently with no apparent reason. I just discovered this week that these side-effects can be caused by a gel I am using to ease the pain of my hip bursitis. They are rare side-effects so that's probably why no one picked up on it. I can't be absolutely certain yet that is the cause of my problems but I strongly suspect it is at least the cause of my lightheadedness because I was away for a few weeks and didn't use the gel and was not lightheaded. I am hoping that the fluid retention in my legs will start to decrease, I know that can take a few weeks. I am hoping that there was no permanent damage to my heart though. That could be scary.

The other side-effects I have had from drugs have been just while taking them, with no permanent damage, but the osteoporosis can cause some very serious problems. My endocrinologist (actually I have seen two, plus my PCP) has assured me that the odds of having a problem are exceedingly low, like 1 in 10,000, so I was planning to risk it until I realized just how many pharmaceuticals have caused me problems. I need to do more research to see if any of these osteoporosis drugs absolutely do not cause any severe problems.

I did have a fracture, in July 2019. It was fortunately a minimally displaced trochanteric femur fracture, but even though it was minimal it took a very long time to feel good again. That was what led me to ask my PCP if I was due for a DEXA. Turned out I was way overdue. When I had the DEXA last September it showed somewhat advanced osteoporosis.

As I mentioned, I am having a DEXA in October and seeing both endocrinologists in November. I have no idea if Medicare will pay for all of the appointments but even if they don't I consider it to be worth it to get opinions from two highly respected doctors -- this is a pretty big decision when all is considered.
JK