An untreated RA flare can bring you to your knees (except it would hurt your knees too much). You're having unreasonable pain - call your doctor as soon as possible and ask for help. Remember that your doctor is being paid to help you, so don't hesitate to call in between appointments and you may also request an emergency appointment if things get really bad. Yes, medications that suppress your RA can take months to help, depending on the medication, although some work faster than others. However, it's quite possible that your doctor will put you on prednisone to help bridge the gap while you wait for the other meds to kick in and he may also prescribe anti-inflammatories, which in my experience can be more helpful than regular painkillers, although you may still need something stronger to supplement.

You don't have to live like this. And once you get treatment, there is every chance that your life will improve. You may still have pain, but the goal of treatment is to get that pain down to a dull roar that's manageable so you can get back to living your life. Hang in there and ask you rheumatologist for help.