I had a VBAC this time round & also had an epi. I'm like you & doubt I could've done it without one. I don't seem to have fast labours so the epi was really the only thing that got me through.
Anyway, this time I tried to stay at home as long as possible & when I got to hospital I was 6cm (with my first son I was only 1cm when I got to hosp
). I got my epi a couple of hours after arriving at hosp & I was 7cm. I was well & truly ready for it by then though
.
My labour wasn't the quickest but I got there in the end & pushed him out, much to my delight
Best of luck for whatever you decide to do.