Glad to hear u are feeling better after reading these posts, its amazing what some reassurance can do!
I had my first bub in April and had VB went in to labour at home the day after i was due, starting having contractions at 1.30am, it was strange and yeah they were painful, i laboured at home watching dvds and homeshopping channel LOL laying over my fit ball. i woke my DH at 5.30am and told him what was happening until then i was on my own just adjusitng to what was happening to my body and mentally preparing for what was going to happen.
We went to hospital at 10am and our DS was born at 1.42pm! We were in 2nd stage for 2 hours and it was hard at times but my body took over and knew what needed to happen. i had gas for pain relief but that was at about 12 o clock. I in the end i had an episiotomy and a had a few problems, but i am so proud of myself for getting thru it. Like u i was petrified of the birth but i read as much as i could and chose not to listen to the people who thought it would be good for me to hear how horrible their birth was! No matter which way your baby is born it is not easy but it is worth it, my birth wasnt as straightforward as i wanted but my body knew how to cope and yours will too! Good luck and just believe in yourself and your body :-)