Is my health declining....at 36?

My husband is self-employed, and when I was working, I always carried the health insurance. When I stopped working to go back to school (and I'm hoping to get into the nursing program this Fall), we had to stop paying for health insurance for him and I, and we just carry a policy for the twins, as it is all we can afford.

About two weeks ago, I woke up in the morning with pain (mild, but there), coupled with very mild stiffness, on the main joint of all of my fingers, not my knuckles.

I had had a nightmare the night before, so I figured that I probably clutched my sheets too tight in my sleep.

The next morning, and each morning after that, the same thing. There is no swelling just pain, but the pain isn't even bad enough to take anything for it. More irritating than anything.

Now, the pain goes away after I'm up for only 30 minutes or so. There is no restriction on movement, etc.

I am so scared these are the first signs of rheumatoid arthritis. I've never had anything like this before.