very slow and painful early labour - seeking tips/advice for surviving this

[miniegg]

hello again, am feeling a bit desperate...
went into early labour at midnight last night and had manageable contractions through the night, between 3 and 6 mins apart.
coped fine but by 5pm they picked up in intensity and i started really struggling with the pain. So we trekked across London in nightmare rush hour traffic and went to the hospital whereupon I discovered that despite all the pain and 17 hours early labour I am less than 3cm dilated (though the cervix is very thin - i think that's what they said - which is apparently good). The labour ward was full so they encouraged us to come home again.
and now i'm back home the contractions have eased off, which is a lovely relief but not the direction i really want things heading in. now it looks like I could have a second night without sleep for not much benefit!
i feel like i'm at the bottom of Everest trying to get up it with a broken leg...the contractions were awful this afternoon and yet i'm only 2cm dilated. how do people cope?
i am NOT a wimp - or at least, I didn't think I was till this!
how have others coped with a very long early labour? all tips/advice hugely appreciated .

I was in similar situation to you, miniegg. After about 40h frequent, regular, strong contractions I was still on 3cm (but effaced etc - which is good) but it was getting tough. I'd been on my feet throughout. I had G&A for about 4h, then, still on 3cm, had an epidural. It didn't work fully, but I think it helped me to relax because I then zoomed from 3cm to 4.5 in about 20min, and had ds1 in my arms about 3h later. So, IME, pr is available depending on how you are coping with the pain, rather than on whether you're far enough along.

Subsequent labours were faster and less draining!

Keep your spirits up. Also keep upright - it will help things along. Draping over a ball is good, as is marching and swaying your hips.

Hope you are in hospital and things are moving or have moved, mini! xx

Miniegg

If you haven't already gone, ask for an epidural. At this point it think it is a good option, it will releive your pain enough for sleep. And you will need rest later.

Any news on miniegg? Did I miss the birth announcement?