Everyone is different with work. I know some people who had to take years off at the start then found the right treatment and went back and others who worked at the start to not in the future. I still think you need to get in to a pain doc/anestesolgist asap. The proper treatment as soon as possible is important. Also you stated smoking and that is horrible for rsd. Though I know it is hard to stop I encourage you to try. Hang in there and try to take 1 day at a time