Pain with tampon usage. Should i do?

I started my period a few days ago, I ran out of pads and started using tampons and I noticed that I'm having discomfort and pain when inserting, the hourly use, and the removal of the tampon. When I say insertion I mean putting the applicator in, it seems like there is something blocking it from going all the way inside which causes even more discomfort. There is also a sharp pain in my lower abdomen resulting from this discomfort. The pain occurs when I'm walking, sitting, or laying down. It seems as though my labia is also swelling slightly and a bit raw/irritated from the discomfort. I would wear pads but I currently don't have the money (I am a college student on my own) to go out and buy more until further notice. What should I do?