I think the answer to this is going to vary greatly from person to person.

I am currently working...but had to take a little over a year off when things got so bad that I was in a wheel chair and couldn't walk or stand at all...couldn't drive either. During that year my RSD spread to my entire upper body (started in my left ankle). And it was the worst year of my life. I felt like a prisoner in my own house. Then when I got better (as in able to walk with a walker and able to drive again) and got the release to go back to work...work wouldn't let me and I had to file a charge of discrimination against my employer for disability discrimination with the EEOC. 6 months later I was allowed to return to work...and I am SO MUCH HAPPIER being at work.

Don't get me wrong...I am in a lot of pain all the time and the working increases that pain. BUT...being at work also gives me something to think about BESIDES the pain. I feel like I have a reason to get up and move everyday...it's so easy to just not do anything when you don't have to. Work keeps me moving, keeps my mind sharp (which is not easy with this condition), and it makes me happy. I really do enjoy my job...so it makes the increased pain worth it to put up with.

Not everyone is in the same position though. It's therapeutic for me to work but not everyone feels that way. I know that in the future...I will probably have to stop working at some point. There will be a point where this delicate balance I have of how much work helps me (mentally and emotionally) and how much it hurts me (physically) will tip and the pain will get to be too much for me to handle. When that time comes...I know I will have to stop working.

If you think you need to take some time off to get your meds sorted out or go through some treatments...that might be the best option. Especially if you like where you are working. But that's really only something you can decide based on what you are going through. If you are at that point where the increased pain is more than you can take...then it might be time to stop working.

I hope things work out with your settlement and that it all gets settled quickly so you don't have to deal with even more stress.