thanks you for your response. Update - I knew about the alternative of "going under" to get the shot - and I actually started to consider it seriously - but then when I thought of the hassle of getting someone to pick me up, having to stay home afterwards until the anesthesia wears off - I thought I would try to get the second shot without it. I did and it wasn't as bad. I took 2 painkillers before the shot, and I asked the doctor to douse the area with extra numbing stuff. I also concentrated more on my breathing during the procedure - something I got from yoga and Pilates classes I take. It was much better. I had also been healing. At this point I think I may be out of the woods in terms of surgery. I'll know more next week. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this post. It helps a lot to hear from other people who have gone through the same thing.

Helen