Oh my gracious Jim I just cringed when I read about your thumb injection! Absolutely you should be able to get some sedation for that. I did not even know that was an option until the nurse asked me if I wanted it this last time! This was my fourth lumbar injection but the first three were in the late 1990s. I do not know how much it will cost you though or what you will have to pay. You really have to be your own advocate in the field of Health Care. So sad but so true. I'm going to pray it all works out for you and is very affordable and that you can have it. If it is not available, then I'm sure you could get some valium or another benzodiazepine. I do know that Valium has muscle relaxant properties in it but I do not know if the others do. I will pray it all works out for you Jim oh, Lord knows you deserve it if anyone does! Multi many blessings, Sunny