Lesson 1 - never put needed medicine, valuables or anything else you have to have relatively soon after arrival in checked bags. Get a carry-on sized bag to put these items in. Checked bags get put on the wrong plane, not loaded, misconnects, etc. and it can be hours if not the next day before you see your checked bag. If you should have liquid medicine that comes in bottles over the TSA 3 fl oz limit, get a litter from the prescribing doctor - that and the prescription label should get you through security.

Info 2 - RJ's are more sensitive to balance (C.G.) and often limited to weight more than mainline planes, so while it's not real common bags and/or a full load of passengers can't always be carried. I know it's a pain when it happens to you but it's just the nature of the beast. In cases like yours the airline should deliver your checked bag(s) when they arrive and most passengers, if given the choice, would pick getting on the plane and having their bag(s) delivered. Of course, that's where lesson 1 comes into play.

Jim