I wad induced in September. I had a pessary and expected to go home but they kept me in due to a pre- existing thyroid problem. The pessary didn't work, so I had four doses. This took four days unfortunately and it was quite tough as I hadn't been expecting it. The aim is to ensure you dilate enough for them to be able to break your waters and that took time for me.
I found it painful to have the gels and exams tbh, but i don't think that is the norm. Finally a midwife advised using gas and air to be able to relax during the gel insertions - dont be afraid to ask.
However I am quite an extreme example. Other women in my ward got on fine with one or two gels and were fine with exams and gel insertion. For all of us the pessary seemed to bring on mild contractions but they didn't last.
I then had the drip and an epidural. I was dead set against this but thank goodness for all the drugs. I was glad I didn't try to tough it out because the induction can be more intense. I had a forceps delivery in the end which was fine though needed stitches - not painful because of the epidural.
DD was monitored with a head clip which sounds awful but it was relatively straightforward and the tiny mark it left has gone now.
I really really don't want to scare you - I have my 11 week old DD sleeping next to me now and it's all great - but I wish I'd been a bit more prepared for the length of time it took (though not for everyone). The exhaustion meant i really really struggled through DDs first weeks. If you can, ensure you get your DP to look after the baby to get catch up sleeps as much as possible. Also don't expect to feel like other Mums with more straightforward births - it can be a shock, though again as other posters have said, not for all.
Really hope it goes well and you are cuddling your new baby soon.