I am an artist who developed RSD almost 19 years ago. From the very beginning, when I was in excruciating pain, I found that when I paint, or create, I am able to "lose" myself in a way that is similar to meditating. So, when I am involved in making art, I'm able to set aside my pain. I know that it's still there, but it's almost as if it is background noise. Creating allows me to be almost pain free in a way that nothing else does!