Rheumatoid Arthritis

I just recently had a probable diagnosis of RA. My rheumatologist says she's 90% sure it's RA, and did a follow-up blood test to confirm the results. I get to see her again next week. I've been dealing with tests, tests, and more tests for over a year, from first the GP, then a neurologist, then a hematologist, now finally I'm seeing a rheumatologist. With the time I have to wait between appointments, thank God it's nothing fatal or I'd be dead by now!
The tests started when my GP said my white count and sed rate were consistently high, and she didn't know why. At that time I told her my legs hurt (when your hips, knees, and ankles hurt all at once it's hard to tell where it's coming from) and I just ache all over, and I've been complaining to doctors of fatigue for years, and all they could tell me was to lose weight, or that I must be depressed.
Luckily, I have a great GP now who said she was going to get to the bottom of it. First I went to a neurologist (I also had a weird brain MRI after a severe headache), and he ruled out MS. She then sent me to the hematologist, who found my rheumatoid factor extremely elevated. Now, here I am- I had a consultation with a rheumatologist and I'm waiting for a confirmation test.
What is so scary is that my symptoms are getting closer and closer together. I've had knee problems for 18 years, and my shoulders started bothering me about 4 years ago. I developed carpal tunnel 2 years ago, and both of my weists have always been weak and achy.
Now, my hips started hurting last December, and my ankles started swelling up in May. My ankles started actually hurting only in this past month. Now, today, I can't walk more than a block without serious pain in my hips, and I have one finger that won't straighten. Yet, I have to keep working for a living, and I work through pain every day.
It's all happening so fast, and I'm really frightened. Am I going to be completely crippled, and how soon? I know none of you can really answer that for me, but maybe some of you could share your progression with me, and it may help me understand and not be too afraid. Thanks.