Hi Stephen Glad you have found the site
I was also about
your age when diagnosed and it dose throw you for a loop, altho I had been ill since teenage but on and off.
Don said it best keep a journal showing your symptoms good and bad, show fatigue joint pain stiffness Anything you feel is different put in the times they occur are they worse in mornings if so how long do they last etc and what seems to both hurt or help them
also write a list of your fears what you are worried about
re medications or side effects
Take this with you to the Rheumatologist , one tip with your journal try to keep it in a list form so it isn't rambly like a letter this just makes it easier for the Rheumy to read and take in the fine points,
even if you have to keep 2 books one you write Everything in and the 2nd you take key points to take with you to Dr.
if it comes back as RA then first Don't Freak Out , I was told by a lovely GP at the beginning;
" You are now on a Long Journey it is a marathon Not a Sprint so Take it slow"
Ask your Doctor or Rheumatologist to refer you to ; Physiotherapist, Occupational therapist, and yes even a Psychologist or Councillor if you need to talk to someone it is no shame in that.
I found the OT to be my best contact in the early days (I've had RA now for about
30yrs) she made me hand splints to support my hands and supports for day time also knee braces and knives specially made for easy cutting she also showed me tricks to doing things that made life easier
There is a lot of help Sometimes Too Much and you can become overwhelmed so again Pace yourself
the Steroids and anti inflams should make you feel a little better in the meantime while you wait your appointment, a lot of Rheumatologists start people early on Biologics to try to get ahead of the RA as early treatment sees better results
once on treatment be sure you have regular blood screening to keep a look for any issues Don't be discouraged if you have side effects to certain drugs it can take a long time to find a drug that works for You,
I personally have not been able to take anti inflamitories or the biologics but have found a good mix with Methotrexate Arava and Prednisone this took Years to work out - well must admit i did hide my head in the sand and refused treatment for a few years after having a bad side effect from both a drug and had a Rheumy that I didn't feel comfortable with but as I ended up Very ill I had to relent and in doing so found Both a wonderful Rheumatologist and he worked out a good drug regime for me I am by no means well but at least I can get out of bed now and living a better life
oops sorry I did ramble didn't I
I Really Wish you well and hope you will stay on the site let us know how you get on with your Rheumatologist visit