I had an epidural for my DD (my first bub) and don't regret it for a minute.

I was exhausted and in so much pain as DD was posterior, I'd been in labour for 20 hours and was done with it! The relief was wonderful, I could have kissed the anethetist!

In the end I had an emergency c-section as DD was distressed, so I had to recover from surgery so I can't really comment on a vaginal birth recovery after an epi.

Good luck with your decision, I'd be interested to hear what others say.