I am so sorry to read this! I had not “checked in” until this evening. To answer your question: I have had arthritis in different specific areas of my body, starting with my knees and then my hands…many years ago. I was told by a hand specialist that I had arthritis. I was told by two different orthopedic surgeons that I had arthritis in my knees. I am seeing a rheumatologist, who has confirmed that I have severe osteo-arthritis in multiple locations, not rheumatoid. (Most of the time an X-ray or MRI can confirm osteoarthritis, and a blood test can confirm rheumatoid arthritis.)
My arthritis has been under control through dietary changes, primarily avoiding refined sugar, as well as carbs such as bread, rice, pasta, white potatoes. Basically, I eat meat, poultry, fish, fruit and vegetables, nuts, cheese, and eggs. (I avoid processed meats.) This enables me to keep inflammation very low. It’s worth it because I can’t tolerate anti-inflammatory drugs. Should I have a flare-up, Voltaren gel or Arnica Cream rubbed into the affected area works wonders.
However, the muscle and joint discomfort I suffered from Evenity did not respond to these over-the-counter products or to diet. The discomfort would hit in several places at one time and then eventually go away…most frequently the discomfort was located in my spine and lumbar region. It felt like a device was squeezing my scapula all the way down to my lower back. It affected the way I walked and my balance. During the last few days, I am greatly improved, though!! I plan to start PT to correct some of the bad posture and walking habits that developed as I attempted to cope with the stiffness and discomfort.
I believe you would KNOW if you had severe osteoarthritis.

I read that Evenity could cause joint and muscle pain, but I didn’t think much about it because I was already familiar with that, and I thought I had a handle on it. Boy, was I wrong, and it became worse as the months went on. So the Evenity did not cause arthritis; it just felt like a hideous case of it. I call it Evenity pain. I should have stopped after the 4th set of shots, but I figured I could tuff it out. That’s my fault for not listening to my body.

I wish and pray for only the best for you!!
If you thoroughly research the different drugs, you will learn a lot in order to make the best decision for you. I didn’t do that, but I sure wish I had. Reading posts from this site and joining some of the Facebook groups for Evenity and for Osteoporosis, as well as some of the other drugs like Reclast, Prolia, Fosamax, etc.
will provide additional information.