Goodness, your story sounds a lot like mine, though instead of hashimotos, I ended up with graves after pregnancy. Nonetheless, I too found that narcotics made me less anxious, in less pain, and then more able to be myself day to day. However, the nervousness about not having them was too much for me as well. I ended up on suboxone which helped me get off of the pain medicine, and, it changed my life. If you are on medicaid, it may be a possibility for you. Check into some of the outpatient places around you and ask to go in for a consultation. It can't hurt to ask questions. You won't be viewed as a 'trailer trash hooker'. I have two advanced college degrees, and graduated top of my class. These drugs have no specific type of person that they affect - and I know I am not trash... I am simply addicted, and I get help.
For me, I found that suboxone worked well to get me back on track. I am off of it now, which was not too bad coming off (when done correctly, without being in a hurry).
I have had friends become incontinent after having children - also not an age thing. It may be due (and likely is) to your tearing. That is quite a trauma that you dealt with. I would find a good OBGYN who can address the issue. It is correctable.
Good luck. Hang in there!