Sorry to hear about your shingles, Spud. I had that about 6 years ago, and didn't get any treatment. It went down my right arm, across my right pec, and on the back of my right shoulder. I now have PHN (Post Herpetic Neuralgia), the permanent pain that Sumi mentioned. I thought, because I had read about it, that it should only last a few months to a year, but it's been nearly 6 years now and hasn't improved. It's a bummer. Glad you got treatment, and may the force be with you for the duration of that most unpleasant condition.