When is it the really thing!!!!

I had strong painful contractions every 3 minutes last night starting at 6pm by 8 pm I went to l&d they confirmed I was having regular contractions and checked me I was only 1 1/2 centimeter dilated. I continued having them every 3 minutes until mid night and then they stopped!!! What the hell! The nurse said my cervix is soft but still high. That was last night today I am so sore my belly is aching from all the contractions last night. When is thing going to be over!!!! I'm exhausted. End rant