i have just been told i have mp. is this disabling?
if i take the meds like i'm supposed to i can't function or dive very well.

"Is this disabling?" Only you can answer that. It might be just an annoying mild burning sensation in the thigh that you can easily live with. Or it might be frequent sharp stabbing pains that keep you from getting sleep and make you constantly miserable.

all i know is that i haven't slept all night in along time. i work construction and using power tools while on the meds seems dangerous. i get blurry vision and in pain all time time.

--might have something to do with the development of the condition.

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve affected in meralgia parasthetic, given where it anatomically passes through, is particularly prone to compressive/vibrational forces. Do you work with tools that make your whole body vibrate? Moreover, do you wear a tool belt that is tight/heavy around the waist or upper thighs (a VERYcommon precursor of MP)?

i don't wear tool belts but i drive heavy equipment and power saws,jack hammers. buy the end of the day i'm beat.
i am looking for new work.

Meralgia Paresthetica can be the result of Myofascial trigger points (knots) in specific muscles especially Tensor fasciae latae, Sartorius and psoas/Iliopsoas - which also causes back pain. Tense bands in the paraspinal muscles may also play a role.

You can learn to self treat these muscles.

Side bar restrictive clothing and weight gain are two common reasons for pressure on the below noted nerves.

However, go to a Doctor and review your symptoms and get a professional medical examination and opinion. Your health is too important not to review with a qualified medical professional.

The numbness/pain of MP may be symptomatic of the muscle entrapment of the femoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, and the femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerves which, may occur in the lacuma musculorum beneath the inguinal ligament, as nerves exit the pelvis through a narrow lacunain “opening” in the company of the ilipsoas muscle. The genitofemoral nerve regularly penetrates, and the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves occasionally penetrate the psoas major muscle as they emerge from the lumbar plexus.

These trigger points can be deactivated by direct digital (finger) compression of the trigger point(s) in the affected muscle(s) followed by appropriate stretch. The Sartorius responds better to a cross fibber technique. You can learn to self treat these muscles. Look up books on treating Myofascial trigger points.

Trigger points cause the muscle to become shorter and tighter. This limits the function and mobility of the muscle which causes weakness, decreased circulation and pain. When injured, most tissues heal, but muscles learn they learn to avoid pain. This muscle memory can produce unexpected pain even years after an injury has occurred, especially during times of physical and emotional stress.