I too had a loooonnnnnngggggg labour. I was so exhausted that when I asked for an epi they let me have it so I can get some rest before pushing. (I ended up being induced) I didnt like the sensation of the gas. I didnt want pethadine. I reckon if I had have had some sleep before having DD (instead of 4 days of none) I would have been able to cope with the pain for longer than I did. Even still DD had to have the vacuum cap to bring her out... and 3rd degree tearing but thats another story.