Shingles

When DH had them a few years ago I realised straight away what it was and he did manage to get treatment very quickly - he had the tablets and also a bottle of something to dab on them - in France so probably what you have. The Dr said it would be 15 days and it was.
He just rested for most of the time and wore loose clothing. His flare up was around his waist and down one leg with the pain. Did you get any cream as well - when DS had them when he was about 20 the GP gave him a cream to use as well which helped a lot.
They are a horrible thing - I hope you recover quickly.

Just reminded me, I'm now eligible for a shingles jab on the NHS as I turned 70 this year.

Take great care of yourself until you get to see your doctor. When you phone up say it's urgent and you will get an appointment for Tuesday. You want to avoid any permanent nerve damage!. If worried visit your local A&E.

Anti-vitals (Acyclovir) at the first sign reduce the pain, spread and potential nerve damage, but 2 weeks on is too late. I hope that is what your French doctor gave you.
For "topical" relief, Poxclin which is very popular with Mums of children with chickenpox may help, plus Piriton and paracetamol. Sympathies on the constipation, that is why I avoid any pain relief containing codeine.
Try Fybogel or Dulcolax for that if the Senokot doesn't do the business for you.

Just for optimism (previous posters have given all the good advice), I had shingles a couple of years ago, horrible at the time, including my eye, but fully recovered after a bad 6 weeks and get no pain at all. Wishing you well as soon as possible.

Anya, I do so wish I had had the jab, as I am eligible. Easy to be wise after the event. Thanks for all the comments from people so far. I did get the anti-viral pills from the French doctor, and I am halfway through the course. Fingers crossed! Still interested to have more advice, particularly about the acupuncture if anyone has experience of that with shingles.

Oh you poor person! Shingles is horrible! I had it many years ago and I wouldn't have believed how painful it was!
I had what was known as a shingles pack (pills) which did stop it in its tracks and did the trick so to speak! I used calomine and nurofen to alleviate the pain, and it cleared up after about three weeks, but was horrid while it lasted. Do hope you feel better soon. I have had acupuncture successfully, but not for shingles!

I think I would go with Maw's suggestion of Poxclin, applying it and placing lint or soft gauze under the breast and wearing a soft pull-on bra. You have my sympathy, ten years ago I had a second bout that left me in pain for months and left me physically weak.