The 5 second ride is like nothing I've ever felt. It completely incapacitated me and I sank like a rock. There is only one way to get the probes out-you rip them out. During training we just ripped them out of each other. In the field, we get EMS to do it. Personally I never felt the probes being taken out. I was still laying there on the ground pissed off about wearing my favorite pair of Killer Loops-they broke when I was "guided" to the ground. If I had a choice I would never get tased again. If I had a choice of taser or pepper, I'd take the taser simply because when the juice is cut, it's over unlike pepper which makes you feel like shit for several hours (direct contamination). If you know what I'm talking about, you know.
ETA: I just read you were considering one for your mother. The taser is not a substitute for deadly force and it is a one shot weapon. If you miss or it is ineffective she is toast. A proper firearm and training are far more effective for self defense. If you want to get her something to carry while walking the dog, get her some pepper spray and an old golf club.