I am not young now, but I did get sick early in life. I was 29 with my first auto immune problem. Not all conditions progress to be terrible, and truely, there is hope. Much has been done recently in pain control. I have had PN in the same spot for years, and it never got any worse. Try hard not to think that your condition will be worse. I am now 60, and have a good crew of doctors in my corner. I hope you get the very best physicians you can, and that they will give you the treatment you need to feel better. Stick around here too, the support will help you to cope. I am here to listen any time you might need. ginnie