Welcome to the forum. This is a good place for information, support, and sometimes to just "vent".

Understanding and living with "chronic pain" is a process. Nobody anticipates how difficult it is until it happens to them. It can be a lifechanger.

But there is a LOT that you can do. Knowledge is power so read as much as you can about CRPS and also on chronic pain. There are many techniques that are out there for you to try and you should. Everyone is unique with CRPS and chronic pain, so there can be a lot of trial and error in finding a management routine that works for you.

Be sure you have the right professionals on your team. This disorder is widely misunderstood, even by MANY doctors. Don't be afraid to ask any doctor or therapist who you are working with how many patients they have worked with that have had CRPS. If the answer is none or not many, keep looking!

Do NOT be afraid to try complementary therapies such as massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, meditation, prayer, yoga, etc. You may be surprised to find that a combination of these, along with some mind-body training and good doctors and therapies, and the right medications, can reduce your pain considerably, or at least your "perception" of the pain.

Below is a link to a very good site from the University of Minnesota. On the bottom of this page is a list of "healing practices A-Z" with much good information inside each of those sub-links. You have nothing to lose. I have successfully integrated a number of them into my daily routine with a high degree of success.

http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/

Good luck and hang in there; we're all in this together!!