Its a very hard decision - you didnt say how old your children are but sounds like they are at least fending for themselves with food etc..... I found I had to leave work - not so much because of pain but the loss of balance and extreme fatique (and nausea - I also have autnomic PN) - it was a huge adjustment - but its really impossible for me to be able to do that now (and I can no longer drive) - and I was like you - a whirlwind of energy from am to pm.....

How long have you been with your company? If its large enough and you have worked enough hours in the last year - you would be eligbible for Famiy Medical Leave (also, your company may have a medical leave policy too) - which would give you some time off to rest and see docs - however - as Silverlady stated - its really important to try to determine the cause if its progressing because PN can become very agressive and if there is a treatment you can undergo then you should! But you need to get the tests!

Applying for social security disability can be very stressful - but if it becomes necessary - its important - and the sooner you do it the better (I waited 2 1/2 years and two court dates before it was awarded after applying)..... it does give you the right to get Medicare - but I understand your concerns regarding your kids..... also, I believe they have a program where you can work part-time and are still eligible for benefits.

Bottom line - its a very hard decision - drastic change in income - loss of social contacts - on the other hand - if you become so disabled and you havent taken any proactive steps - you could be really in financial trouble and not able get adequte medical care.

Could you have a serious sit down with your doc? Maybe this would be the place to start - and also check out your company personnel handbook and see what benefits are there for you (they may have a long term-disablity policy too).


Sending you good thoughts.....