Triple J, watch this very carefully ~ my acquired brain injury is due to shingles. The infection spread into my eye; from there it I developed meningitis & zoster encephalitis.
Do not hesitate to go to ER if you have any stiffness in your neck (i.e. cannot touch your chin to your chest), trouble with your jaw, & start running a temp.
Did the MDs prescribe a anti viral medication like Acyclovir (I think that's the name - don't quote me)? With the shingles situated so close to your eye have you been examined by a opthamalogist?
In the meantime, do not be hesitant to ask for pain medications. I was on IV morphine during my 3 week stay in the hospital. Neurontin is the medication for long term treatment of the nerve pain.
by the way, I'm giggling over the stress question. I was asked the same thing at the onset of my shingles & I became almost hysterical with laughter. husband had to leave the room with the MDs to explain our level of stress.
Take care my dear, please.