Hi Nicola, Boo is definitely right! I worked myself up before my first (and only, so far) tattoo last July. It's on my leg, occasionally quite near to bone, starting at my ankle, and is about 4 inches long overall.
Mine took around an hour and quarter. My tattooist told me not to use any numbing cream etc., and he doesn't use any pre-inking as it softens the skin and can make it hard to tattoo.
I read up on using cream etc., and asked tattooed friends how they felt, and they agreed that it was best not to use anything like that. Of course, it's personal choice, as is the advice the tattooist gives you on aftercare.
I think regardless of whatever cream you choose to use, there will still be discomfort-it's a needle poking at your skin! And the effects of the cream won't last long. For me, the sensation was sort of like a sting and a tickle. It's pretty bearable really, just uncomfortable. After a bit, you get quite used to it.
Good luck! Enjoy your art x