Wow, sounds like you and I are so similar. My RSD is in my left hand/arm. I've had this 3 1/2 yrs and still adapting. I type with my right hand, occasionally using left finger to hit a left side butter or capitalize someting. Cutting things is still hard, I ussually switch hands that i used to cut with or ask my husband or kids. I have slip on shoes for the most part or will have my daughter tie them, knot them and slip them on and off that way. I have most function in my left hand but it's still hard to use and takes allot of concentration sometimes. The thing I struggle with is gaurding and I tend to like my hand and arm covered or in a glove. I wear arm warmers allot because they help keep it warm, free from breeze and people tend to not bump it because they see something is wrong if i have an arm warmer on just one arm. Makes it a bit easier to use. I also have a spinal cord stim that has worked wonders most of the time. Humidity, weather changes, streess, overuse still crank up the pain and I have tendonitis in my right hand from over compensating.

I re-read my earlier post and realized I left out some explanations.

Cutting things like steak, I use my right hand to stick the fork in the steak, then switch to my left and try to hold it as steady as possible while I use the knife with my right hand. It's painful, challenging, slow, and doesn't always work, but I try. If I can't do it, my hubby usually takes my plate and does it for me...or my friends shake their hands at me and say, "Why won't you ask for help?!" You have to try thing, but you also have to be willing to ask for help.

Tying shoes is still very painful, slow, takes lots of concentration, and not done tight. But I was soooo happy the first time I tied my shoes a couple years ago!!

For typing, I'm only able to use my right hand and left middle finger. Because my wrist doesn't move and the proximal row of wrist bones were removed (along with a small portion of the radius and all the nerves in my wrist), I can't reach the keys properly. But I've noticed that I've gotten faster over the years.

Also, just as a suggestion that I found helpful, try playing video games with a controller like Xbox or something. It's difficult, but I found that playing the game distracted me some from the pain and worked as therapy for my hand. I talked to my hand specialist about it, and he said they use video games in children's hospitals for therapy for just that reason.

I know I need to give myself time...but it so frustrating and so many things I cannot do. I know my family (especially my son who is around most) is getting tired of things I need help with. My husband, who never even gets a cold, does not understand and has little tolerance when i simply cannot do something or go somewhere because I feel so miserable. Says it is all in my head..no reason I can't do as usual.
I find summer and warmer weather, meaning lighter/less clothing and slip on sandals so much easier. I type with my right hand and can usually use my first finger on the left to type.
I also have issues with guarding. I find it helpful (even if is all in my head) to wear one of my splints when going out of the house. It seems to me to be a bit of protection from the crowds. I also have issues, they say arthritis brought on from over use, in my right thumb. There are some days I can't drive or even hold my coffee cup. Drinking coffee thru a straw is just not right. But it was my way of adapting. I also have arm warmers with me at all times. The air conditioning and even light breezes are painful, so this way I don't need a jacket just my arm warmer.
I am scheduled to have an OT home evaluation and driving evaluation to see if any adaptions can be made to "make things easier." Has anyone ever had this done??