My mom has had shingles twice and boy was she miserable. She was on pain meds for it as each case lasted about two weeks. A friend of mine had it once though and it went away pretty quick and was less annoying than chcken pox according to her. So I guess it can go either way. I heard somewhere if you get it young, it isn't as bad but Im sure there are exceptions.

Lets hope you have the non-painful variety!