While I may have chosen “joy” as my word of the year, it’s starting off challenging. After a week of back pain that I thought was a deep bruise or strained muscle, the spot that hurt most broke out in a rash and I was quickly diagnosed with shingles.

It’s full-blown now, and not only is it extremely painful (enough to wake me up each night when the ibuprofen wears off), it also came with fun viral extras like chills and headaches.

I have prescription antiviral medicine, along with a list of comfort suggestions from the doctor, but does anyone else who’s had this have any great suggestions for things that helped? They say it could last another 3 weeks!