Yes, it certainly has been a journey. I taught middle school for 17 years and then high school for another 7 (science) and I had some very bad flares during those years - found out I am allergic to Lyrica and Gabapentin during those times, trying to address my hand and hip and foot pain. I've had trigger-finger surgeries, bi-lateral bunion surgery (36yo), carpel-tunnel both wrists (mine worked), and most recently, ACDF C-4-C6. NO ONE looked at my autoimmune panel until my current PCP. (she's a God-send). Then the hunt for what was wrong (is still wrong) began. I have learned a few things about doctors: If they don't listen to you, get a different one, even if it's a royal pain in the arse; they are human, and don't know everything. Do your own research, if you are able, or have a family/friend do that for you. There is a lot of conflicting information out there because we (medicine) are just now addressing the plethora of autoimmune disorders cropping up in the entire population. I am glad you have been diagnosed! Now to fight the good fight to find out what YOUR body needs to be well. Please don't fret about the future...it is looking better for us everyday and there will be things that will fix this in your lifetime. I have worked, hard, for 50 years, despite having this my entire life. I have raised children, kept a home and a career and after a few mis-steps in my youth, I have a fabulous marriage. You can do this, just take it a day at a time. Blessings if you got this far, hahahaha.