I think the pain is both it is the separtion from God’s love,and is surpose to be similar to hell except you will be released from purgatory.I read once that it has no time equation but 1 year but feel like 30 or more years.And I also believe that MOST Catholics will go to purgatory cause everyone dies with some kinda sin on there soul.That is the reason when one goes to Mass they should pray for loved ones,it will help release them.