Rheumatoid arthritis...should i be worried?

I just got a call from my doctor's office. I have rheumatoid arthritis. I read up on it and I was fine till I read it can cause organ damage. Should I be freaking out right now. I don't know how to feel. I mean I'm barely going to be 23. I don't know what to think.

NO DON't FREAK OUT!!!!! I HAVE RA & LUPUS.YES RA CAN CAUSE DAMAGE,BUT THAT CAN BE ALONG TIME AWAY.FIRST YOU NEED TO FIND OUT HOW TO DEAL WITH ANY PAIN,SWELLING,STIFFNESS THAT IS GITTING IN YOU WAY NOW.NEXT ASK YOUR DR.ABOUT SEEING A SPECIALIST(RHEUMATOLOGIST).THAY WILL TELL YOU MORE ABOUT MANAGING YOUR SYMPTOMS & RUN MORE TEST IF YOU NEED THEM. NEXT GIT WITH YOUR FAMILY MOM,DAD,SISTER,AUNT SOME YOU TRUST TO HELP OUT WITH ALL THIS!!! THIS IS A UPSETING TIME BUT THERE IS HELP. I'M A MOTHER OF 3.I'M 34 AND EVERY DAY I THANK GOD FOR MY FAMLY.THAY WILL KEEP YOU GOING!!!! DON'T OVER DO. REST LET YOUR BODY TELL YOU WHAT IT NEEDS.I HOPE I HAVE HELPED YOU ALITTLE,MY PRAYS ARE WITH YOU.

I have had arthritis since I was 4, & I will be 42 this year, arthritis is a "joint disease", it attacks the cartilage of the joints, the only time I have ever heard of it affecting organs is some of the medicine that is available & your doctor will monitor you on them & change them if necessary. As long as you follow what your doctor says & tells you to do you should be ok, & live a long & productive life. arthritis is not a death sentence..if it was I would be in some serious trouble :)