Im in due in 3weeks and considering an epidural?

I'm due to give birth in 3weeks and have had very open mind about pain relief up until now. If I can get through it with nothing then great but if I can't I'm considering the epidural. Has anyone else had this? Would you recommend it? I've heard good and bad stories, like you can end up paralized. I'm planning on talking to my midwife but I don't see her for another two weeks, so would be interested in hearing your opinions before then. TIA