The epi is a God Send IMO! I had all back labor and my contractions came on HARD and fast. They went from every 7 minutes to every 1-2 minutes in a matter of 30 minutes. I would have jumped out the window. It was so painful. They turned it down so I could feel the contractions to push. DD was out in 45 minutes at 9 am. By 12 noon I was in the shower. I felt my legs immediately after.
ETA: Not to insult anyone, but the nurse at lamaze made a very good point. She said women that have such strict birth plans (no drugs) are usually the first to ask for them. I say go in with an open mind. If you can do it, that's great. But if you are suffering...take the DRUGS!!!