carole, i know how you feel.
it is v.e.r.y. painful to have it and tolerate it...
mr mac had shingles about 5 years ago.
i would tell him when the shingle ring around his waist would connect to a full circle, the upper half would just fall off onto the ground.....
he was in no mood for my bad jokes.. 
none of us in the house caught chicken pox.
and we were around him all the time.
i even slept with him! 
the worst is probably over now at this 3 week time period.
try not to get too much sun in the areas where you were affected.
ask your doc if you can sunscreen where the shingles were while you are in florida.
try baby oil on those areas to keep it from drying up before you leave.
i think you leave on the 16th, right?
now all you have to do is relax, pack in advance and watch court tv until it is time to go.
Oooh Macraven you were naughty to Mr Mac.......funny though

Apparently I lost my sense of humour too
Good advice though.....thank you, bought some baby oil today.
We leave on the 16th for overnight at airport then fly on the 17th. I have told Tom you said I`ve to sit and relax and watch tv till then.........he said What`s new
so sorry to hear, hope ur feeling better now

. I almost lost my mum due to shingles that developed on Xmas eve last year. Her head was swollen nearly double and it they were afraid she'd lose eyesight. Even though she had to go into rehab for a month after the hospital stay, it turned out well & she's back home now. I never had chicken pox either but managed to avoid the nasty bug.
ps congrats on the
boffo new tag
Goodness how awful for everyone, that must have been so scary to go through, for your mum and you. Glad to hear she has recovered well though

It really is an awful thing, and I think I had it quite mild, small rash that`s practically gone, but painful!!!! But for vulnerable people and the older folks it must be very frightening for them to go through.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! WOOHOO!!!! I have had my 29th birthday 11 times!!!
LOL.......I like it. I didn`t celebrate my 40th.......I had the 20th anniversary of my 20th birthday.....
and actually if I don`t count Saturdays and Sundays.........I`m 29 too
To Keisha and Bubba`s Mom
Hope you both have a wonderful birthday

With a week to go.......I probably should be doing something.......................