Sandy
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                        
                        
                        Dear Lynn, my nine-year-old daughter had shingles last fall.  Apparently anyone who's had chicken pox holds the virus in their spine and can have a recurrance (called shingles) at a later age.  Find a doctor that will explore use of some of the newer anti-viral meds with you.  If administered soon after dx, they apparently decrease symptoms and duration.  Don't let anyone minimize your experience of the pain.  Good luck!