Is wearing my retainers after so long worth it?

I kept up on wearing my retainers for a few months, then stopped completely for about 8 months. My teeth have shifted enough to make it painful to wear them at all, so painful that sleep is a task. My teeth, however, looking at the retainers, haven't changed cosmetically all that much, not even enough to tell really. Do you think it is worth it for me to wear them all the time and endure the pain to get them straight for my appointment in 10 days? If I get them straight enough, I might get perma-retainers so that me and my weak resolve can't ruin my teeth. Maybe I should get that done now?