How canI get permanent alimony modified ifI lost my job?

You should file an Order to Show Cause requesting a modification of spousal support.  You can obtain the form for an Order to Show Cause from the court.  You should also obtain a court form called Application For Order And Supporting Declaration.

Changed circumstances such as a change in income due to the loss of your jub would be the argument to assert supporting your request for a modification of spousal support.  Your Application For Order And Supporting Declaration is where to state under penalty of perjury your argument for modification of spousal support.  When you file the Order to Show Cause and your Application For Order And Supporting Declaration with the court, you should  attach a proof of service.  The proof of service verifies the date of mailing of these documents to your wife.  You can either obtain a court form for proof of service or you can write your own.  It would just say that you are over 18 and on ______ (date) the attached documents were sent via first class mail unless otherwise indicated to______ (your wife's name) at_______ (her address).  Sign the proof of service under penalty of perjury and date the proof of service.  The date on the proof of service should be the date you file these documents with the court.  When you file your documents with the court, the court will set a date for a hearing on your Order To Show Cause requesting a modification of spousal support.

As for being married 7 years instead of 17 years whether that would change the permanent alimony, it is an argument you should raise.  The permanent alimony was probably ordered due to the marriage being of long duration.  By long duration, this means a marriage of at least 10 years; however, even with periods of separation, the court may conclude that your 7 year marriage was sufficient for long duration to award permanent alimony.  This will be determined by the discretion of the judge as to whether or not permanent alimony should continue.