opinions please

I am new to arthritis. I was diagnosed 6 months ago after a scan and xray of a few nodules on my finger joints. Spurs were identified, and it was diagnosed as osteoarthritis. After that for 2 months, there was an alarmingly rapid development of painful nodules on all the joints of both hands, wrists and feet. The fingers swelled and stiffened. I was told by video appointment that this was a 'flare up' and was sent support bandages for my wrists. Although the swelling stayed, the pain went down. I do a manual job, and play a musical instrument that requires fast finger movement, so this is a concern.

In the past week, my fingers, then wrists and feet swelled painfully at the joints (but not hot and red), followed in a few days by painful hips, knees, shoulders, elbows and now lower back. I am determined to remain active, and have walked and worked daily, but I am so stiff that even ignoring the pain, it is almost impossible to put socks on. The next day, my face swelled, which is s common allergic reaction for me, food related, except that I am sure that I have not eaten any trigger foods. From then on, nothing more has developed, and the hands are easing slightly.

The GP has denied any possibility of rheumatoid arthritis, or any other autoimmune condition (even allergies, even though I have had a lifelong reaction to milk with facial swelling followed by excema). I am interested if anyone thinks there is a chance that I have rheumatoid arthritis, in which case should I be dealing with it any differently? I have a high pain tolerance, and am very active, but I do not wish to do anything that might make things worse. I feel that I cannot go back to the GP having already asked about it 6 months ago, so would like some ideas on how to deal with this as it is hard coping.