Starr,

They often give you a shot of anesthetic before giving the cortisone shot.

It sounds like you at least have been making some progress with the system. Your rehab psych sounds great. Good to have someone in your corner.

Keep in mind that finding a anti-depressant that you can tolerate may also help you be more tolerable by your family and friends. Cymbalta is helpful with diabetic neuralgia. I wonder if it will help with occipital neuralgia.

I have a new symptoms that started a few weeks ago. Peripheral neuralgia. My feet start feeling hot and sometimes very hot late in the evening and sometimes through the night. I have not been checked by a doctor yet. Trying to avoid the high co-pay to see a specialist. In fact, my right foot just started feeling hot while I am typing this. The fact that it is different between my right and left foot makes me think it has to do with my neck.

So, anyway, give the Cymbalta a try. Try to get your family and friends to give some grace while you try to adjust to it. Explain that they may benefit from how it helps you.

My best to you.