There are potential serious side effects from Trileptal use over long periods of time.

hyponatremia
leucopenia (low white blood cells)
and many other serious effects:

http://www.rxlist.com/trileptal-drug.htm

And you were on a big dose too!

I think the new doctor is being cautious and looking out for your long term best interests.

This drug also depletes Vit D... so you will want to have a test for that, and also do B12 while you are at it. Low B12 (below 400) can cause nerve damage.

If you have motor damage (weak muscles) as well as pain in your hands, that would be more serious IMO.

Think back to when this all started... can you find a trigger there? If you can, it may point to a solution. People with chronic nerve problems really have to become their own detective. Did you have an injury? Illness? Take some RX drugs (including antibiotics like Cipro or statins), vaccines, exposure to chemicals, exterminator visits, formaldehyde, etc?
Anyone in your family with nerve problems?

Please visit our subforum and regular PN forum here. We have gathered alot of information that may have an answer for you.