Hey QuizzickleII, glad to see you back!!
I have RA, got dx in 1994. Have had several joint surgeries but the meds are alot better than they used to be.
Am on a run of steroids right now for my hands & hips, it has helped.
It is not an end of the world dx. They usually do a pretty good job of keeping you in remission, based on symptoms & lab work.
Feel free to PM me anytime.
Hope you get some answers & feel better very soon.