I don't know how everyone works with this. I have had a severe episode since October with no pain relief. I'm exhausted. I'm now on my 10th doctor as I have been referred to surgeon after surgeon and went back to my first neurosurgeon who said he can't help me and referred me to my third neurologist as the other two said they don't treat this condition ( my neurologist retired without telling me so it's left me looking and looking). I have had MVD at 16 and Gamma Knife at 38. I am getting severe shocks and burning. i have considered and inquired about PNS but do not know if it's the answer. I'm weaning off of Aptiom going back on Trileptal. I'm on 7 other medicines for sleep and pain with no relief. They want to send me to yet another Pain Clinic which would be number #3. I'm working and have had to miss. I will be at this job a year in 4 more weeks as I decided to change jobs from being at one 10 years due to the stress. But now missing, is causing my job to be in jeopardy and despite what my doctor writes, they don't understand I need rest when it gets so bad. My doctor even told me he would write short term disability papers but I don't know if I need to stay a year and do that and wait to hear on the PNS and see if Trileptal might work. I'm just confused, depressed, exhausted. I just can't do what I used to could and am so angry about it. I've never let this beat me for 24 years, I've worked. I'm only 40. My BP is very high from it so now I have to see a cardiologist to make sure that can come down. How does everyone do this? I refuse to give up. I have a 3 year old son who is a miracle and a husband that understands. But no one else gets it. Any encouragement is welcomed.