Shingles on my neck

[2Earlgreysplease]

I have been feeling pretty rough for a few weeks, waking up with a really stiff back and neck, to the extent where I was driven to have some sports massages to ease the tension. After that I developed an annoyingly persistent spot on my neck just below my ear which just wouldn't go away no matter what i put on it. Eventually the lymph behind my ear swelled up and went bright red. It was very very painful and eventually I went to the GP who wondered if it was shingles.
I am now taking the anti virals although the spot has become a blistery rash and is very unsightly.

What I'm wondering is, how long does the shingles lurk in the system before it finally shows up? Am hoping that the stiff neck was related to this, as at least, when the shingles finally disappears it will also be the end of my stiff neck, back and shoulder.
Any advice gratefully recieved!

I have had shingles 3 times and it will be more of a rash or blisters than spots and it is always only on one side of the body. Mine was on my leg and twice on my left side of my back. With shingles it is nerve pain not muscular. Hope thus helps xx

Thanks loving, am still suffering from this horrible condition. The blisters are mostly gone now, but am have such a stiff neck on one side and an achey shoulder. It's as if I have had a neck or shoulder injury. Also very headachey and exhausted.
Can't wait till this all stops!