I don't get sick anymore either. But i did often in the first few years i got P.
Yes the swollen hands could most definitely be PA. I have the very same problem and it is PA. I find relief in taking a supplement called Healthy Body, keeps the aches and pains and swollen body parts away. I wasn't so sure it was helping or it was coincidence so i stopped taking it to see what happened, the pain and swollen hands, feet , ankles, knees etc came back terribly. I started taking it again and allw as well again. I wouldn't live without it after seeing for sure it helps. I repeated the same trial several times to be sure it was actually helping.
I also take many other things each day so i just wanted to be sure what was helping and what was not.