For sure pacing yourself is better than pushing through the pain. Desensitizing seems to be key, I'm about to embark on PT to work on that myself very soon. So if you can find a qualified therapist who can help you with that, that would be very good.

Meds can be very helpful, or not. And if they are not helping you then don't take them! Sleep is very important to being able to function. We have to change the way we think about things. I still have to work on this. I don't HAVE to stand up to make a sandwich. I can sit at a table to do that.

CRPS affects your energy level, your thinking, your circulatory system, etc. And many different things can cause a pain response. Noise. If my kids get too noisy... up goes my pain level. Stress for sure will increase your pain, so work on relaxation exercises. Deep breaths every half hour. Watch yourself for tension in your shoulders and back, and release it.

What calms you? For me I can distract myself with a book and that will take my mind off the pain.

AS far as medical treatments, there are many. Nerve blocks CAN be very helpful, especially in the early stages. And the more you get things under control now, the better in the long run. I had one nerve block so far and it worked great! It only worked a short time, which was disappointing, but I'm hoping to try again with a different medication in there for longer symptom relief. (If worker's comp will approve it). It seems every doc has their preferred methods. I like to do a LOT of research myself as well so that I can have a very informed conversation with my doctor.

There are non-typical pain meds that can help as well. Gabapentin. Cymbalta. Other anti-depressants. All can have good effect on the pain.

Good luck!