I have recently been diagnosed with Shingles...?

I went to my Doctor last week with a sharp stabbing pain in my left hand-side which I have now had for just over a week. She diagnosed Shingles and has prescribed Co-Dydramol (a strong pain killer) and Aciclovir (an anti-viral) which I have to take five times a day. I am off work for a week and resting as much as I can. Does anybody have any experience of dealing with Shingles, the pain is just awful, but fortunately the rash that you usually get with this infection hasn't materialised. Info on the web says that the pain etc can last for two to four weeks, but I suppose it varies from person to person. Any advice on how to deal with this would be welcome. Thanks in advance.