Am I getting old?

Lately I have been accumulating all the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), including, but not limited to, achy joints that may not loosen up for 3-8 hours in the morning (oh, it's not still morning then, is it); stiff, swollen and painful joints in fingers & toes, aggravated by use; and pain & swelling in my neck leading to tingling and numbness in hands and sometimes legs (also aggravated by use, like sitting at my desk at work, or, perversely, digging in the garden). But I do NOT (like 20% of people with RA) test positive for RA factor in the blood.
Consequently, my GP (a nurse practitioner, does anyone see an MD these days, or should they?) referred me to a rheumatologist. My first choice, in a medical center with other specialists I know and love, is "on medical leave. Indefinitely." Sad to hear. My second choice, close to home, declines to see me! Recommends referral to pain management clinic.
My GP's "referrals scheduler," a little taken aback, asked, "Is that what you want?"
Well, yes, it does seem like pain management is a good idea. However, I would very much like to know what it is that we are managing.
My suspicion (and I have no direct knowledge of this rheumatologist's comments) is that, out of 19 pages of medical notes, she picked out weight and blood tests, and concluded obesity. Borders on malpractice, in my book, but clearly she is not someone I want involved in my medical care.
I am now waiting to hear from the rheumatologist in my GP's medical group, probably a better choice, being associated with a major university medical school, in spite of being 40 miles from home.