isaosunagatty, Welcome to Connect. I am happy to meet you. You are fortunate to have a positive outcome. I am not familiar with what you have experienced with what you describe; I have not had cataract surgery (yet) My opthamalogist said that I will need it eventually.
Several of my friends have had catatact surgery and I have not heard them speak of any complications, so it is good for me to be aware and add it to my list of questions for him when the time does come.

My injection went well. It was a cloudy day, and I could see afterwards. I have only had 2 out of ordinary experiences after injection.
One time my eye pressure jumped afterwards, and drops were admisistered before I left the office to lower it. On another occasion, I rubbed my eye when I got home, and as the numbness wore off, I felt unusual burning pain in/on my eye. I called the doctor and he had me return to the office where he examined it and saw a scratch. I wore an eyepatch for 24 hrs.
My main physical discomfort is the burning with the drops before and afterwards. Sometimes I take a tylenol afterwards. I never thought of a stress ball! I do some deep breathing while waiting for the injection and this works well for me. My retina doctors are very good at the injections. I believe in one day at a time, as I am a transplant recipient. And for my eye condition, that is my mantra, too! One day or one visit at a time - my vision is worth a little discomfort.
How often do you get injections? Why do you get them?

I see a furry buddy in your photo. Is that your pet? If you are interested, Here is a link to the conversation, What Pets Can Do: Health and Healing. I do not have a pet, but I am so impressed with what others are sharing about their pet experiences. I want to invite you to take a look, and to join the conversatioin.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-pets-can-do-health-and-healing/