This is a very personal decision for everyone. I know that I was miserable when I was off work...even though I know I HAD to be for a little over a year. I couldn't walk, couldn't drive, couldn't even take care of myself. But as soon as I was able to go back I wanted to go back. My pain levels are higher because of it...no doubt about that...but I am a happier person and my mental health is in a much better state since I have been back to work. I find it much easier to deal with the pain because I have other things to think about besides the pain (where as when I was home that was all I could think about because I couldn't DO anything else).

But every person is different. You will need to decide what will give you the overall better quality of life. If you cannot work (like I couldn't for a while) then you can't. You don't need to feel guilty about that. But if you can work...it might be worth the try. Make sure though that you are really ready to be back before you return though because going back too soon only to have to be off again for a long period of time...that can create some nastiness with employers. And make sure that if you need any accommodations at work that you ask for them (things like exceptions made to the dress code, heater for your office (if you have one), a chair to sit in if you need it, etc). There are lots of things that can make it easier to return to work and in the US there are laws in place to protect us. Employers need to provide accommodations so long as those accommodations don't cause a hardship to the business. Read up on the ADA before returning to work so that you are knowledgeable and don't let your employer try to pull a fast one on you by saying they don't have to do anything or whatever. My employer tried that and lost. But I'm sure a lot of people would have just given up after being told no and they would have gotten away with it (and probably have thousands of times).

Take care and definitely weigh this decision carefully to come up with what is best for YOU.