How to handle a charged off account?

Hi, I have an account that has been charged off because I was ill and consequently unable to make the payments.

I am now well, and attempting to negotiate something with the bank that services the credit account (WFFNB, which services Pottery Barn).

I'd like to find a way to pay an amount that would either: (a) bring the account back in good standing, which WFFNB claims is not possible since the account has been charged off or (b) ensures Pottery Barn removes the charge off notation from my credit report.

I am hesitant to pay the creditor to whom the account has been sold because I've found that even if the account is paid in full, it still reports as a negative item on the credit report. (It would seem to me that if an account has been paid, it should reflect positively on one's credit report, regardless of the circumstances under which it was paid.)

What would be your advice in this case?

So I guess the second thing would be how to get accounts that are paid, albeit through a collection agency, to report positively on a credit report.