Hi and thanks to all who replied to my post am on way home this weekend so will see how things go over Christmas- had one bad-ish bout earlier this week but didn't eat and drink alcohol for a night and was ok the next day. It's so uplifting if that's the right word to know there are people who know exactly what you're going through. I hope you all have a good Christmas and don't have too much discomfort.
Thank you again for all your replies and apologies for the delay in getting back to everyone.