Three days ago my rheumatologist finally (after 9 months of tests and waiting) diagnosed me with RA. So far I have stiffness, some contracture and tenderness in the last three fingers of both hands, and knee pain in my right leg. Also bursitis of both shoulders. Doc says RA has eroded the bones in the joints in my fingers, and attacked the soft tissues of fingers, hands and wrists. He has started me on Methotrexate 10mg 1 x /week for 2 weeks then 15 mg 1xx/week for 2 weeks then back to see him. All blood work was normal; RA factor so far is negative; lungs are ok. He added 1mg folic acid; I added glucosamin/chondroitin and fish oil on my own. I plan to join a gym and to lose some weight (I admit to being sedentary and overweight both of which from my reading seem detrimental).

At this point I am trying to stay positive but all I can find on the internet is the negatives, both for the disease and the med. Any information, resources, personal experience, guidance, etc would be very gratefully appreciated. Friends and family are trying to help but don't seem to know what to say. I am scared and worried about future limitations (I am currently 58)

Thank you.