I would second what several others have said. Prednisone takes away the pain and makes you feel wonderful, but talk to your doctor about side effects and what happens with long-term use. I believe it caused my osteoporosis when I took it as a young adult. I believe it was considered a 'wonder drug' for awhile, but I'm pretty sure doctors use it very cautiously and short-term now.
As far as fear of medications.....I can only speak for myself, and I know reactions to meds are very individualized, but over the 13 years I've had RA, I've taken hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate and humira (at the same time), and I've never had a problem with any of them. My RA is under control, and I feel 'normal', i.e. I forget I have RA. When I was diagnosed, my pain was very severe. I didn't want to take meds, either, but am so thankful today that I did, and that those meds are out there, as I now lead a normal, happy life. Whatever the risks, it's been worth it, for me. I now only take Humira and a very minimal dose of methotrexate. Plaquenil (hydroxy-) can carry a risk of eye damage, so you need to get checked annually. As others said, make sure you see a rheumatologist. Best of luck to you! I hope you find a successful treatment plan.