Newly accepted diagnosis

Hello - I am struggling with finally having to accept that I have RA. Im 56 years old and have recently been told that having ruled out everything else I need to see a Rheumatologist. The problem is I cant get in to see one until mid September. My symptoms came on very suddenly. I woke up one morning in June and my legs were so sore and stiff i could hardly get out of bed. My general doc suggested PT for my knees and legs so I can get up and down stairs and in and out of bed. He wont perscribe and pain killers he wants the RA doc to do to see me first. The worst is the mornings, every muscle in my legs and arms are weak and the joints are stiff and hurt. Getting dressed hurts and I feel like I'm on slow-motion as every move takes longer. I sit all day at a computer and am stiff and sore by the end of the day too. I started taking two extra strength Tylenol and one Aleve an hour before my alarm every morning just to cope with getting ready for work. This is all so shocking to me. I am so worried that my joints are already damaged and that I will end up in a wheelchair before Im 60. I dont like to think about being a burden on my husband when I can no longer use my hands or go to the bathroom. Just really overwhelmed, no genetic history on either side of my family. Other than Hypothyroidism and high blood pressure both controlled by pills I have no preexisting conditions either. How quickly does the damage to joints progress? Should I prepare for a wheelchair soon?