I've had it twice - both times the lower right chest wall area. The first time it went in a couple of weeks.
Last October it took about 5-6 weeks to go and far more painful. I was awake with the pain about 2am for about 7 days, couldn't sit comfortably or move in certain directions. No rash either time and I found that the amitriptyline the GP gave me to sleep didn't work so I gave up on them. No rash - no point taking acyclovir.
I sincerely hope I never have it again - nerve pain is just nasty
Had a big off a couple of years ago on scorpion at Yair, proper "make sure everything still works before moving" off.
Two days later shingles started on my ribs in the area of the impact.
Not for nothing is it known as "the belt of roses from hell"
I had it in my ear during lockdown. I had been completely run down with a parent in hospital, managing work and kids/lockdown.
Misdiagnosed at first by out of hours until I went to my own doc as I had facial paralysis. Ramsey-Hunt Syndrome. Got prescribed some very strong steroids for the paralysis and things were back to normal in a few weeks. Side effects of the steroids were horrific though.
