Oh, sorry to hear about your struggles! Autoimmune whether it’s rheumatoid arthritis or undifferentiated, connective, tissue or many others is difficult to pinpoint. I had my right knee swell up, leading to exploratory surgery and a synovectomy, which is classic for rheumatoid arthritis. However, it was 10 years before I had any indication in my blood work for 10 years, my ANA was negative; my RA was negative. Now,they call it serum negative RA. Unfortunately, it sounds like you’re in an exacerbated state right now. I wouldn’t advise gardening or anything like that flares your present circumstances. You need to do passive range of motion, use ice through a cheesecloth 10 minutes on 10 minutes off, swim, and then get yourself some soft hand and maybe arm immobilizers for sleeping at night. Walking is very therapeutic just a little bit of exercise each day twice a day and decrease any stress in your life. My exacerbated state was a while ago and it was rough. My left hand is permanently deformed, but there is hope! Right now, I’m not on any medication. I haven’t been in pain for a number of years. I do use compression, gloves, compression sleeves on my arms and compression on my knees and lower legs whenever I have an exacerbation. I am living my best life and I pray that for you soon too. Kay🌺