Your post contains both good and bad news, but I understand it is a relief to know what is really going on and to find a doctor who cares.
I too have a lupus/RA diagnosis (the doctor is not actually sure which). I am sore, but I do not even pretend to know the kind of pain that you are dealing with. I can't tell you how often you come into my mind. I even had a dream about visiting you the other night. This was probably in part due to my recent trip to Michigan. All the scenery looked like the place we just visited, but I kept thinking in the dream -"I have to get to Michele's house." Just wanted to let you know that even though we don't really know each other, I really care and I'm always so glad to hear some positive news from you.
I am always amazed that you manage to keep going with your normal life as much as possible. I realize this is what you have to do even when you're scared. I know it seems like one thing after another has happened to you over the past couple of years, but it's not like a really long string of bad luck. The problems stem from one thing - the RA. In a way that is good because if you can get that under control then you can be OK again. I know it will never be the same as before you had it, but better than now.
Keep us posted on what the new doc does and how you are feeling. Seriously, if I log on and don't see a post from you every week day, I worry about you.