jenny,
i encourage you to get a lawyer. they will work on commission to get you the money you are entitled to, and to help get you your ssd. you may think you cannot affford a lawyer, but you cannot afford NOT to have one. there are many that will take nothing up front.
you were speaking of what workman's comp will and will not allow you, and that riles me. you will be amazed how putting a lawyer's name on your needs will get them to move! i had no problem with ssd but my long termed disability outright dumped me and i got a wonderful lawyer and the payments started right up again.
i will say it again ... everyone with rsd needs one good doctor and one good lawyer and i am not sure which is more important. joan