I remember that it hurt, but I really couldn't tell you how much anymore.

And I did have a much better experience the two times I didn't use the epidural vs. the one time I did. It hurt, but it wasn't something that couldn't be done. Even with my third, who didn't have his head pressing against my cervix during the contractions, so I wasn't dilating, it wasn't that bad. The shower felt better on my back, then having an epidural did the first time. Of course, I like being able to move around whenever I want. (I was induced all three times so I can't really say anything about naturally progressing labor...though I hear the induction is more painful, and I still survived it)