The only thing I'd say about being on your own and dealing with the pain in early labour is that most people expect labour to take ages but if you haven't done it before, you might be someone who labours quite quickly and not know that, iyswim.
With my first labour (first contraction 3am) I just assumed it would take ages so popped a couple of paracetamol, sent DH back to bed and waited a few more hours, dealing with the pain by myself in a focused but excited zen. Little did I know that my labour was progressing quite fast and it was at 7am when I said to DH, I think I need some paint relief. We got in the car, drove to hospital and I'm doing the deep breathing nonstop thinking, surely that's not a push? I can't be pushing already? Oh yes. In the car.
Got to hospital, still in my deep breathing, pain tolerating zen, midwives were totally cool, thought I had loads of time because I was so calm. First examination = fully dilated & pushing! Waters went immediately, and mw swung into gear. Time in labour by then: 5 hours.
Clearly, the pain only got really bad near transition and if I'd left it any longer then we might not have made it to hospital, which would have been bad because things didn't go perfectly from then, baby got stuck, distressed and needed forceps to come out ASAP.
This time, although I won't be rushing in at the first contraction, I'll also be more aware that things could progress at pace. I guess all I wanted to share was that first labours aren't always long, and I wouldn't want anyone to be caught out by themselves needing to help. I know that going in to get examined and being sent home again is a pita but I'd rather that than be that woman who gives birth in the car!