Peterspots - you have had advice from your GP, a Consultant in A&E and from the ladies on here. Now it is up to you to make a note of the suggestions, otherwise your pain won't improve and you will continue to feel depressed.
As for ruining your families lives ……… that's in your mind probably, not theirs, have you actually asked them how they feel about these last few weeks? Assumption can cause all kinds of un-necessary problems! It's your guilt and state of mind, but unless you ask them for support

If you feel ashamed of taking medication then DON'T tell anyone! it's nowt to do with anyone else after all. My husband, my GP and myself are the ONLY people who know which medications I take. A few friends are aware that I need chemical support but don't know what I swallow every day. That leaves me in control of who knows what.
For years I was afraid to try anything different in case it made me worse, whether it was eating, drinking, taking medication ……. for 3 months I had no Life at all but eventually the medication did begin to work and I could see sunshine again.