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I was diagnosed in June 08 (by a family physician - RF 252), due to symptoms and lab results he referred me to rheumatologist.  Rheumatologist requested additional lab work, an Anti-CCP...results were greater than 100 (I think normal is something like 0-5 or 0-10).  They also did x-rays, which were normal at the time.  He immediately started me on 1,000 mg naproxyn daily, 2,000 mg sulfasalazine daily, prilosec 40mg daily, and a multi vitamin.  A few months later he added methotrexate, 3 pills weekly, 6 weeks later he increased dosage to 5 pills weekly.  Here I am now, 10 months later, taking 300 pills per month, commuting 2 hours a day back and forth to work, and I don't know if I'm much better or not.  I hurt everyday, it's not unbareable but I hurt daily.  I have a burning sensation in my knees and feet, I'm ill most of the time and I'm completely exhausted!!  The rheumatologist keeps suggesting Enbrel or Humira so I think I'm going to take him up on his offer when I go back May 20th..... I'm 41 years old and have never taken daily medication, other than birth control.  I've never been sickly either.  I'm thankful that my kids are older, my oldest son is 23 and my baby just turned 14.  I certainly feel for these women that have small children and RA......I don't know how they do it. Anyhow, in the beginning of the RA diagnosis the doctor will have you come in at least once a month for check up and lab work.  Right now I'm going every couple of months.  It's my understanding that the majority of the irreversible joint damage occurs within the first two years of onset, so, if he doesn't start you on medication soon then maybe you should consider seeing another dr.  You need a DMARD (disease modigying anti rheumatic drug) to treat the disease itself (like methotrexate, sulfasalzine, etc.) and a NSAID (non steroidal anti inflammatory drug) like naproxyn to treat the inflammation.  I hope this information helps you and I hope you find relief soon.......we can all relate to you. God Bless You!!