Hi RDLS

In answer to your questions, you should definitely go get this checked out by your GP. I'm afraid nobody here can tell you whether there is any cause for concern and, in the absence of knowing what is causing this long-term condition, nobody can tell you what the remedies are. 
This is having such a substantial impact on your life...why not just get it checked out? If not for you, for your children who are obviously concerned? The problem might well be easily fixed. Make sure you tell your GP that it's persisted over several years xx