For many years I spent probably 60-70% of my day in bed. Pain meds made me tired. My quality of life diminished. Socially, I pulled way back because when others saw my pain they were helpless and I wanted to hide. I tried to continue to work and was in such a brain fog. Fortunately, I had an office and would shut my door and rest on the floor. I pushed thru exercise classes and would get painful spasms that would draw attention. I explained that they would pass and one day the instructor said in front of everyone that I freak her out. I stopped. I’ve never had such pain in my life as I’ve had from shingles. I was 56 at the time and am now 71. The saddest thing is there are many worse off than I am. I fake my way thru social events. Smile, laugh and act like I’m enjoying myself when in reality I just want to be home and in bed.