Hey there. I have dealt with this since I was 12 and I am now 29. I have an education, career, marriage and a daughter. I made it, yet it was a lot of hard work at times. I only had absense. I have been on and off pills for years and I hate it to this day. I recently had brain surgery 3 months ago. It is becoming a typical surgery these days. If you cannot get the situation under control ( if your situation is very serious), consider seeing a doctor who is supportive of surgery. This procedure is actually being recommended as an option early on. I would have done this years ago if possible. I had mine done at kettering memorial hospital in ohio. I now have no seizures. You will have to stay strong and keep your head up. You are only 18, yet are also diving into the adult world and I clearly remember the hardships, many still exist today. One thing to do: go to your doctor and request a plan to get down to the bottom of things. Ex. If this med doesn't work, _______ is next on the list. If we go through 3 meds and still no luck, lets consider surgery or vns. Don't settle for some doctor who takes you in for 5 minutes and gives you no real plan for the future. You are 18 and are planning your future. This is now a part of it. Looking over this letter, it seems abrupt, yet I am just a former elementary teacher/mommy. I promise I am thinking in a soft tone. If you can control this with medicine, do so. My heart goes out to you.