looking forward to VNS others want me to "alternative" therapies

No you aren't over reacting. I've literally had to tell people to F-off. That itself can be therapeutic depending on the situation. It doesn't matter what people are trying to tell you but in general people have medical opinions as strong as religious opinions and want to shove their ideas or some bs the just read in some online article down your throat. When you don't listen or tell them they have no idea what they are talking about they make it seem like you are doing this to yourself on purpose, all your medical problems are your fault and could be easily fixed, and you don't want to get better. Even when they stop hassling you and shut up they still look at you out of the corner of their eye like they know everything and could fix you like magic. It can come from family, friends, random people, and even drs. and can be about anything your are or aren't doing, some Rx you should or shouldn't be taking, food, exercise, cannabis etc. I personally have used cannabis and had it help relieve pain, help with sleep, and help take the edge off Rx's side effects. I know it isn't for everyone and it hasn't stopped my seizures unfortunately. I think it is worth a try though just as much as any of the other anti-epileptic DRUGs with way more tolerable side effects which yes it does have. It is also just as hard to find the right strain of cannabis sometimes as it is to find the right Rx. It definitely isn't for everyone and if it isn't for you that's cool, find what's a better and more effective option for you (which seems to be a never ending process), and tell those people to F-off. I'm at 4 years and 6+ unsuccessful anti-epileptic drugs not counting others and have been thinking about/researching the VNS because I just can't handle the drugs and their effects on my life with uncontrolled epilepsy. I'm still a little freaked out by it (popping pills in my mouth vs actual surgery) but the benefits can definitely outweigh the side effects just like the Rx's. I'd be interested if you could randomly update posts for what you decide and how it goes. I might suggest that cannabis would be useful after surgery to help with pain/healing though only as an edible, concentrated oil, or some topical. Do not smoke or vaporize as coughing in any way would probably agrevate pain and could stress or tear incisions and stitches. Feel free to tell me to F-off for that~

Without knowing more details of your situation, I can't say whether you are overeacting.  I know MJ works for some people and makes epilepsy worse for others.  Everyone's epilepsy is different.  I have not personally tried MJ for my seizures and only recreationally a few times, but those few times I have smoked it I had fewer no seizures.  Whether that is because of the MJ or just a coincidence I can't say.  But I in the 37 years I have had epilepsy I have tried every drug on the market and eventually they all stop working.  I don't mean to discourage you, but I have had a VNS for some 20+ years and I am still not sure if it helps or not.  I still have seizures every day - but remember that is just me.  Recently, I told my neurologist I would like do a CBD trial.  He pretty much ignored me.I can understand your frustration.  It sounds to me like you feel as if everyone is telling what you should (or shouldn't) do, when they don't even know what its like.  That used to piss me off too.  And sometimes it still does.  The best thing I can suggest is that you do your try to look past it, and keep in mind that these people care about you and want you to get better.