One thing you may want to ask your Doc about is Avascular Necrosis. The only reason I bring it up is that it can be the result of long term steroid use. I am not sure if Prednisone is the same type of steroid that causes it. I was diagnosed with it, and ended up with a total hip replacement. I have had the new hip for a year now, and wish I would have had it done a year earlier. The hip replacement was a good experience for me and has changed my life, so much for the better. I am told there are also some non-surgical treatments for Avascular Necrosis if diagnosed early, so it may be somthing we all need to watch. It took a bone surgeon to diagnose me, my rhumy missed it.
Mike
