Hi Trudy, that's a beautiful photo of you and your family.
X-rays will show where damage has already occurred, but even better is a nuclear bone scan, which will light up in pretty much every spot there's inflammation in your body. MRI is also very good. The reason I suggest those two over x-rays is that x-rays only show damage after it's occurred, whereas the other two will show you damage in progress (sort of).
It could be figured out by symptoms, but not conclusively or as quickly.
If you need a cane, get one. There is no age minimum on this. I've been using a cane on and off since I was 37. Some days, you just need one. It will make it much easier for you to get around on those days when your body just can't support itself properly.
Just find yourself a couple of truly funky ones that suit your personality.
You are in flare right now and must take care of yourself. Since short walks and working around the house are exhausting for you, you shouldn't push yourself from an exercise standpoint. If nothing else, you need to be doing stretching exercises to help keep you mobile. Listen to your body. If a particular spot is hurting, don't push it, just gently stretch it. Work up slowly to an exercise routine. If need be, stretch for one minute at a time, 15 times a day. Gradually increase the amount of time you stretch in one go until you can stretch out for 15 minutes at a time. Take your time about this and, again, listen to your body.
Once you can stretch for 15 mintues in one shot, then it's time to start adding some cardio. Again, one minute at a time 15 times a day if that's what you have to do. And slowly work that up to 15 minutes at one shot.
Once you can stretch for 15 minutes and do cardio for 15 minutes, that's when you want to add weight training. Same routine. Your body will tell you what you can do on any given day.
I recommend an aquafit program as well. In warm water. But again, a full class might be something you want to work up to slowly.
Whether or not you should be doing more is completely up to you. I tend to push myself, which has the benefit of keeping me moving, but the drawback of exhausting me sometimes. Only you know what is right for you.
Hugs,
