You don't say if this is a GP or a specialist. If you aren't already, you need to see a Rheumatologist. I have SLE as well as Psoriatic Arthritis, which is to say the least sometimes crippling. You need to establish exactly what form of arthritis you have and be prescribed with drugs that will improve your quality of life. I understand perfectly how you feel about your Dr's comment. I go to an excellent Rheumatologist, but his "bedside manner" is non-existent, fortunately I'm a thick-skinned old boiler and tell him he's taking liberties if he is rude. These days I even sometimes raise a smile. Hang in there and don't give up.