I was induced with my first and it was not bad for me personally, I fasted by 9pm started the Pitocin at 3 am, doc broke my water at 9 am, got to 7 cm at 1:30 and asked for the epidural cuz contractions were frequent, not too painful I just was tired and needed some rest, napped til 2:30. Started pushing at 2:50 and had her at 3 pm. We started friday/Saturday overnight and I was released by dinner Sunday
I was induced at 37 + 4 with my first baby for gestational hypertension. The induction was long, yes, but it wasn't complicated. I didn't initially want an epidural, but because my body was being pushed into labor before it was entirely ready, my body pushed back, and I stalled at 5cm for 12 hours after they broke my water, and they convinced me that the epidural was my best shot at getting my body to relax enough to continue dilating. (It also helped lower my blood pressure.) After the epidural, I literally fell asleep, and I woke up 10cm dilated and feeling ready to push! For food, I wasn't allowed to eat anything "real" either, but I was allowed clear fluids, which included jello and juice and Popsicles and even sprite. Take advantage of whatever calories you can get. Eat before you go in, something filling but not too greasy. And pack lots of snacks for the postpartum unit in case you give birth at 3am like I did and have to wait around for the cafeteria to open 🙃
Bring whatever comfy stuff from home that you need to help lower your stress. I brought an iPad and had gilmore girls and podcasts playing in the background at all times. I also brought my Nintendo switch. They supplied a birthing ball. They were also able to hook me up to a mobile monitor for a little bit so I could walk laps around the L&D unit. Also, one of the first things they will do is place an IV, so if your BP does spike to an alarming level, they will be able to give IV meds to bring it down very quickly. They know why you are being induced, and they know how to handle it. I had full faith in my OB team.
I was going to be induced with my last son, however he decided to show up. For the most part it is like normal labor. Yes it can take days, it all depends on your body. Labor for me takes at least 9 hours. I have had the epidural with both of my labors, it is in my opinion the best way to keep from hurting too much.