I have rheumatoid arthritis and fibro, but I don't think I am willing to get stung over and over to see if it helps.
I personally don't either... but it's my way of coming to grips that it will probably happen - focus on the benefits and not the bad.
Have you tried yoga for your arthritis and fibro? There was a time I would go 2-3x a week, because how much better I felt the few days afterward. I also have seen that since I have given up all diet soda, I probably have 90% less shooting pain out my spine. - I still go to yoga 2x a week, more for stress relief.