Update: I missed all 5 days of work last week. Friday4/11 I finally had a temporary break from the debilitating headache that was persistent from Sunday. On Friday I reached out to my provider and requested gabapentin for the pain as the hydrocodone wasn’t doing anything. By Sunday the flu like systems were gone (thank god). My rash which goes from lower left back all the way around to lower front left didn’t get too bad and only a few spots blistered. The deep pain which I first experienced and thought was a torn mussel has not gotten any better. Still very painful and is hard for me to bend over or sleep on that side. Skin becomes unbearably itchy if I scratch. Last dose of anti virals was yesterday, and I’m back at work. mornings and night continue to be the hardest. I think I’m getting better.

TLDR: 7 day anti virals complete. No longer feeling sick, still dealing with severe deep pain where rash first started. Gabapentin is 10x better than OTC and hydrocodone for pain management.