Awww, geez, Barb. I know of what you ask. I, also am sharing this same boat with you.
I don't even really know how long I may have had this disease before just recently being diagnosed. My family doc called to report I was at an exceeded level *36?
on my bloodwork count showing RA.
Knowing next to nothing about this 'thing' he was informing me of, my first thoughts were well, good there's finally a diagnosis for all my pain and ailments. A legitimate gripe, at last. *See, I told you I was sick.
Then, he told me I needed to take it serious this time (I'd told him on my first initial visit upon our first meet that I thought maybe I had 'Heartworms' when he asked what my ailment was, just to see his reaction ...lol)
What I have noticed since finding this site a few days ago is that I seem to be the oldest soul on this board to just be diagnosed with RA. Although I feel lucky to have missed so many years without a strong indication, I still can't help but think "Ain't this a helluva note!",
My options for RA treatment seem to be mimimal because I, like you too, survived CAD in '03 and have four stents in place.
I think I've always been one to downplay my health issues, as I've endured many. When I've hurt or have faced 'looming' death, I've usually been like, "well, this has always been inevitable, so deal with it." But, in the back of my mind, I figure I was thinking 'some sort of miracle' would jump up and save my butt awhile longer again.
And, so was the case. Now, I'm thinking, hmmm ...???
I suppose I will know more than I do right now Aug. 25 after visiting the Rheumy.
Almost hate to even go. Ignorance may be more blissful. Feeling really mixed.
I've spent quite a bit of time here reading posts, news and absorbing everything I can.
One moment I think K, I can work through this deal, feeling I've survived worse but then I read further and acknowledge just how serious RA can easily and quickly become. I hope my old adage can continue to boister me through ..."It's tuff to be good; but it's good to be tuff."
To you, Barb and all of us who are paddling together in the same canoe, let's continue to 'paddle our azzes off', until we reach whatever shore we're destined to reach.
"Go Sisters; Go Brothers; Go People ...go, go, go~!" 
