Maggyie,
Don't give up the ship.

Only about 1/4 of all PN, (from what I've learned, both in here, and other research as well) is idiopathic. Fully 3/4 is caused by something else. Half is from diabetes, and another 1/4 is from some other cause in your body.

In my case, mine started in my feet, and eventually progressed to my hands. However, mine was caused by something called Waldenstroms. But, that's another story. In any case, as you have read here, get some medical help. If in fact this is PN, regardless of age, you'll need medical supervision, that's for sure. And, don't go "forecasting". I get on my wife for that often. Find out for sure before you go down that "doom" road. Who knows, it might not be anything related to PN at all. Find out for sure. And, good luck to you.