Jan,

There's a "STICKY" right at the top of this group called Neuropathy does improve, so yes, it can get better. To what degree depends on the cause and other factors.

Yes, it is possible to live a normal lifespan with PN, but again, that depends on other factors as well.

There are also other STICKY threads and a sub-forum on PN Tips, Resources, Supplements & Other Treatments that should answer many of your other questions, including things to ask your doctor & tests to request.

My personal theory on all of this is, If it can't hurt to try it, then it can't hurt to try it. With that in mind, barring any allergies or other reactions (which are possible but unlikely if not rare), I'd get on a regimen of:

Sublingual B-12 - 5,000 mcg. 1/day (on an empty stomach)

R-Lipoic Acid - 100 mg. 1/day
Acetyl L-Carnitine - 500 mg. 2/day (once with the R-Lipoic Acid)
Pantothenic Acid - 500 mg. 2/day (once with the R-Lipoic Acid)

The sooner you start taking these, the better. Some other folks here may have some further suggestions.

After you've read the threads and other links here, and had some more testing, you'll have a better idea of what other things to add to the regimen.

Doc