I was induced at 39 weeks in my first pregnancy due to health reasons also, and my body clearly wasn't prepared for it. Before I was admitted for induction, my cervix was still hard. I had gel put on at 6, again at midnight and started having contractions at about 12.30. I only dilated 2.5cm's up to 11am.
I had to be stretched to have my water broken and that was agonising. Never again!

Good Luck with everything. You'll know whats best for you