Successful Induction at 39 weeks and 5 days

We were scheduled to be induced at 39.5 days due to my placenta having a higher risk of abruption, as well as fluctuating fluid levels. I was already experiencing prelabor contractions, dialated to a 2, 0 station, and effaced 60% We went in at Midnight on March 29, and were immediately set up in a room. By 1am, the nurse gave me cervidil. She came and checked me every hour or so, and it wasn't too bad until about 4 when it felt like I had been kicked down there repeatedly. She took it out at 6, and I was already having contractions 2 minutes apart. It effaced me to 80%, and then at 7am a pitocin drip was started at 2, and slowly increased. My doctor came in a nd broke my water at 8am, and the contractions increased rapidly. I planned to go natural, and tried to keep an open mind. I breathed through the contractions, relaxed my body, and used imagery to focus on getting through each one. While my water was leaking through the contractions, it actually helped to feel the gushes. By the time 9:30 rolled around, there was no more gushing, and I was screaming in pain. Relaxing didn't help as the contractions were incredibly painful, so I opted for Demerol to help. It relaxed me, but didn't help the contractions which were still quite painful. At 10, they checked my cervix and okayed my request for an epidural. I was about 4 cm. Once I received the epidural, I relaxed completely and went to sleep. I woke up throughout the day, and at 12:45, I was 8cm. By 2, I was 9.5, and 2:30, I was 10. I started pushing around 3, and by 4pm, my sweet little boy was born! 8 pounds, 19 inches, and a head full of hair. The whole process was incredible, and even though I didn't end up having a natural delivery, I feel great. It's been 7 hours, and my pain level is maybe 2. I barely tore with 1st degree, and overall I just feel weak from lack of sleep and over exertion. It's all been so completely and totally worth while for the handsome little boy who joined our family today.