Sandi
Hi, did they do the varicella virus blood test to find the shingles? They are painful I had them also in my left side, thought I had a broken rib. I went thru all types of tests, lung scans etc. The blood test came back 3 times higher than normal. I was treated with Valtrex 500mgs 2 tablets 3 times per day, ultram, and another medicine I forgot the name of. Also, if you can stand it EMLA cream, it numbs the skin some, even though there is no rash. That was the difficult part of their diagnosing me. Good luck to you.