Just to clarify, swelling with atrophy can be an issue as well.

Emily, Most of us have felt isolated and frustrated along the RSD journey. You may want to look into a RSD or Chronic Pain support group.

Meditation, listening to soothing music, taking long warm baths with Epsom Salts, being mindful not to engage in activities that will exacerbate your pain, etc. are all options for trying to cope with severe pain. If you can see a pain psychologist, a good one can really help. The more stressed you are, the more you tense your body, and guard RSD effected limbs, the worse your pain will rise--which is a vicious cycle. Even learning to breath deeply is invaluable...