Some of the symptoms you're describing could be a form of arthritis - the pain, the inflammation, the difficulty in moving after sitting for an extended period of time. However, my first thought when you described the symptoms in your arms, particularly the tingling, was repetitive strain injury. Buzzing and tingling in your hand and arm tend to be caused by a pinched nerve, either in your shoulder or your elbow and if you have a job in which you do the same movement over and over again, you may get some wear and tear in particular muscles and tendons that can lead to an injury. Repetitive strain injuries are treatable with a period of anti-inflammatories and perhaps some physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles in the right places.

It sounds to me as if you may have two different things going on - possibly arthritis and possibly a nerve that's gone out of whack. The changes to the joints that can be caused by RA can lead to less space for your nerves and tendons, which can cause the tingling and inflammation. It's quite likely that you will be able to get effective treatment for whatever problem you have - they are some very good medications for RA these days that enable you to lead a fairly normal life.

While you wait for the test results, you can make your life a little easier by taking over-the-counter painkillers. You may also try a muscle relaxant before you go to bed, which may relax your shoulders enough to ease the tingling and you can also make sleeping easier by placing small pillows or towels under the affected joints for support. Start the day with a hot shower on your shoulders or if ice works better for you, place icepacks on the affected areas.

Good luck and please let us know how things go.