my mom is 78 and since dec. has had joint pain and swelling, with excruciating pain, in her shoulders, hands, elbows, knees, and ankles. she has had gout for 20 years, on alopurinol, no flareups , follows the diet religiously. has type 2 diabetes last year, also follows the program faithfully. since flare ups in dec. she has had 4, they've tested for everything, has lost @ 20 pounds, no difinitive answers, no appetite, lots of burping, and everytime they try and ween the steroids, she has another flare up. any ideas?