I had them about 2 1/2 years ago. I also had an ear infection and the flu at the same time. They were mainly on my neck. The doctor hospitalized me for 3 days, until I was no longer infectious. I do not know what medication was given. As far as pain, maybe I was lucky and didn't have any to speak of. The one issue I did have was I had a hard time holding up my head for about a week. I didn't have chicken pox until I was 27, and my shingles when I was 49. Where the shingles were located on my neck, it took away the pigmentation in my skin. I have patches that are albino white.
When my mom had her shingles they were on her butt and hip. She also was suffering from sciatica. She was miserable.
I see that they are now offering vaccination to prevent shingles at some pharmacies where I live. If you have them, I'm sorry, it's too late. But for those of you who haven't, I would go get the preventative shot.