Loss of power

I am stranded and bought this sight unseen. My immediate problem is that if I press the throttle pedal to accelerate very hard it sputters I have to accelerate very slowly. Worse though, it lugs down to nothing going up even very slight inclines I have to shift down
On the highway last night trying to get home (two weeks stranded away from home now) I had to shift to second and it was not even a real hill.
I do know the engine flashes 44 constantly. I am low on cash and cannot get mechanic for at least a week. Please help!