Any mummies here used epidural? How bad is the pain of the injection?

I hated needles and I always insist on experienced nurses whenever I need jabs otherwise I will cancel and rearrange for another appointment. My ex husband talked me into taking an epidural bcoz he didn't want to see me in pain so I did. He wasn't allowed to be with me when it was being administered and it freaked me out. It didn't helped that you have to be really still when they nurse pokes you. I cried when the nurse poked me and bit my lips so hard coz it hurt like hell. Worse is that she had to administer it a couple of timea coz I wasn't spposed to be feeling so much pain. But of coz, once it's done, my ex husband quickly rushed in and let me cry on him. Then I felt so much better coz I felt no contractions at all and was even able to nap lol