Diagnosed with shingles Wednesday night - went to doctor same day symptoms started as they were significant. Started Valtrex. Have bumps on lower back near sciatic nerve on left side and on left thigh following nerve line. Entire thigh dull to touch but high pain (throbbing, etc). Pain on site at back. Also high pain, burning on left hip, stomach, behind knee. Friday morning noticed third patch of bumps on thigh (more inward) and an increase of bumps on first set of thigh bumps. No blisters yet, no apparent fluid or breakage. Was covered with band-aids prior to increased spread. Still experiencing chills, lack of appetite, upset stomach (may be from valtrex), possible fever still. Question: how long will this spread before moving on to whatever the next stage is? Is this normal to continue the spread? Should I go back to the doctor? Is this normal to still have the flu like symptoms of shingles (chills). Thank you.