Hello 
I've had severe osteoarthritis in my hip for more than ten years, I was diagnosed at 20. My experience over the last 12 years is that the advancement of the pain isn't necessarily linear, in fact it's better now than it has been in some time. I think this is a combination of me getting better at managing it, and the progression meaning I actually have less pain.
The most important thing I would say to you is, use it or lose it. Keeping the joints moving as best you can will actually help with pain in the long run (and keep the rest of you healthy, and help with your state of mind and self esteem). Swimming, cycling and yoga have all worked really well for me. Cycling especially, as a means of getting around so that I had to do almost no weight bearing at all, was a godsend. And moving the joint/s can often help to get things into a more comfortable position. Dry, scrapey joints can get stuck.
Don't be afraid of taking NSAIDS before a bout of activity - in fact, I'd heartily recommend it - your pain will be less, in my experience, if you manage it (and inflammation) before it gets as uncomfortable as you describe. If you let things get very bad, there will be parts the painkillers can't touch (which is what I suspect you were experiencing this weekend).
There will be things that you will have to cut out, and you'll learn over time what these are.
Other things, in no particular order: warm baths before bed, and a hot water bottle in bed with you, are good habits for good sleep. Think about your shoes - cushioning makes a huge difference. Weight does, for me too - wearing heavyish winter boots has me in agonies at the end of a day. See a physio, definitely. Stay hydrated. Be honest with people about how you feel. Leave room for how you feel yourself. You don't say how old you are but chronic pain and joint deterioration are surely difficult at any age.
Oh the last thing is, get back to your GP for a painkiller prescription and to talk about drugs. The daily limit for ibuprofen is actually 2400mg, not the 1600mg that OTC products state. I have found 600mg tablets the most effective. I occasionally mix them with paracetamol, but generally they suffice alone. I tried stronger drugs, but really disliked the other physiological and emotional effects they could have.
In my early 20s, I found marijuana incredibly effective for my pain, a small joint before bed helped me to sleep really well. I no longer use it recreationally, or seem to need it, but I would definitely recommend it.