Hi Vanityfaire,
My first thought at reading your post was what the others here are recommending as well! Get second and third opinions from both medical/surgical docs AS WELL AS two opinions from very repudable and expertised chiropractors or osteopaths. There may be other avenues for relief. Your insurance may not cover the different types of doctors, but it would be worthwhile to pay, out of pocket, if you can, for additional consultations. I am so sorry your pain is increasing, and expecially having to go to work with pain. Please protect yourself from being rushed into a decision before you explore all possiblilies and educate yourself as much as possible.
I have RSD in my left foot/leg as well with a lot of back/hip pain..my chiro is requesting an MRI to see what's happening..the pain is soooo bad. I hope it's not the RSD travelling north. I also still work and I understand how hard it is to bear the pain while trying to focus.
Let us know how it goes!
hope4thebest