Final Update:
Just finished the last of my anti viral meds. Since my shingles were primarily on my left temple, I went to the eye doctor today to check my left eye. My doctor wanted to make sure the cornea was not impacted in any way. (Shingles near the eye could lead to blindness in extreme cases, so watch out).
I was given a clean bill of health for the eye. The rash is a fading memory. I have five small red spots, that look like old mosquito bites, with no pain. When I furrow my forehead, I can feel some residual pain up into the scalp. Nothing bad at all. They say that may remain for another week or so.
From what I understand, once you get chicken pox, you are a candidate for shingles. You never get rid of the chicken pox virus, it lives in the nerve endings. (Where, apparently, your defenses can't get to it.) Over time, your defenses relax, stress or some other compromise to your immune system will allow the hiding virus to grow. This is when it expresses itself as shingles. Shingles is only contagious to those who have not had chicken pox. You can never pass shingles, however, you can pass chicken pox while the virus is active (open lesions).
The vaccine is recommended for people 50 and over. The vaccine is a weakened version of the chicken pox. This will raise your defenses and help prevent a shingles outbreak. (They say it decreases your risk of getting shingles by 51%) I am not sure if they recommend a second shot after a period of years. One would think your defenses would begin to diminish, once again, allowing the virus to grow. (Should of asked that question.)
Once you have had shingles, you can get it again. (1-5% will) However, once you have had shingles, and fought it off, your body's defenses are high. You won't need the vaccine for a few (indeterminate) years.
In my case I was very lucky. I have heard of many horror stories talking about disabling pain. Quick diagnosis is key! If you ever have the start of a rash, some pain associated with it, on just one side of your body, (Shingles will only be on the right or left side. It will never cross the midline.) go to the doctor and check it out. If he doesn't know for sure what you have, suggest shingles as an option. If caught in the first 72 hours, pain is significantly reduced! I can attest to that.
I hope my experience with shingles will benefit at least one other.
My work here is done.