Hey Cyndi... ok, I don't know why the 2nd link didn't post right.. I even tried editing it and it still won't do it right... 
anyways, this is what the link said:
What about osteoporosis in patients on long term cortisone-related medications?
Patients with severe asthma, and those with chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, may need conrticosteroids for prolonged periods of time.
Corticosteroids such as Cortisone, Prednisolone or Prednisone can cause osteoporosis in patients if taken chronically. Corticosteroids cause decreased calcium absorption from the intestines, increased loss of calcium from the kidneys, and increased calcium loss from the bones. Increasing dietary calcium intake is important but alone cannot stop the corticosteroid-induced bone loss.
Management of patients on long term corticosteroids should include:
- Adequate calcium (1000 mg daily if premenopausal, 1500 mg daily if postmenopausal) and vitamin D intake.
- Periodically reviewing with the doctor the need for continued corticosteroid treatment. (To find the lowest effective doses if continued treatment is necessary).
- For patients taking corticosteroids for more than 3 months, a bone density study may be helpful to measure the extent of bone loss. A bone density study can be repeated in the future to measure any further bone loss.
- Regular weight-bearing exercise, and stopping smoking cigarettes.
- In patients with moderate to severe osteoporosis as measured by a bone density study, or in patients already having suffered osteoporosis related bone fractures, anti- resorptive medications such as Fosamax, Didronel, or Calcitonin should be considered.
- It is important to remember that corticosteroids should not be stopped abruptly. If corticosteroids are to be stopped, they should be gradually tapered under a doctor's supervision.
As far as your rheumy suggesting the cortisone shot, he may feel like it's still early yet, and it may not effect as bad. How many shots have you had? I would still suggest that you let your Endocrinologist know about it, and maybe he will consult with your rheumy for the best plan of attack... Good luck to you and let us know what he / you decide!
Duck