You may have always had vertigo to some degree but, managed to keep a lid on it because you were busy - it sounds like you were left up there long enough to have a look around and start thinking about the 'what ifs'. Those sorts of thoughts can spiral quickly.
Also, I think, as we get older and have a family and responsibilities, our sense of self preservation becomes stronger. Maybe that was a factor.
As already said, a healthy level of fear at heights will keep you safe but, if you're genuinely shit scared, come back down.
Good luck mate - be safe