[Shortbus]

Does sound like the ECM, sounds like it has gone into "Limp Mode" this is program that bypasses the normal computer operation and allows the vehicle to make it to a service shop or home without having to be towed. I know you said you cannot afford to fix the problem yourself but sometimes you can end up spending more trying to fix it yourself replacing good parts based on reccomendations from shops. You need to have someone hook a scanner to it, then drive it or observe the ECM readings and let them make a diagnoses based on fact not assumptions.