Looking At Rheumatoid Arthritis Pics, I Think I Have It..I

Looking at rheumatoid arthritis pics, I think I have it..I have the nodules on all of my knuckles (underside of hands) that are tender to the touch and one on each side of my thumbs. Am scared, haven't been to doctor yet, actually I went to primary and he is referring me to get xrays which I will do shortly. Any suggestions, is this or can this become fatal. Thank you.