Finally Diagnoised:

Well, since my last update I will tell you that I have talked to Dr. Hope and we will not do anymore injections in the neck. However, since then he did inject both of my knees which did help about eighty percent. Of course the first three days I was in excruciating pain which kept me from my physical therapy. My other joints continue to ache too. Therefore, he told me to go back to the other specialist for some medication regime also. On Sept. 15th I am having both of my hips injected for some relief. I am in hopes it helps as much as it did for the knees. In the meantime my neck, back, shoulders, ankles, hips, jaw, fingers and wrists continue to ache awful every morning I arise. Therefore, I continue to wrap a heating blanket around me (even in above 80 degree weather) and use a heating pad for my back.

I did get a diagnosis for my abdominal pain: fatty liver and lactose intolerance.
I also got a diagnosis for my joint pain: Fibromyalgia. Well, now I know what is going on with me. For the Fibromyalgia the doctor gave me trial samples of Cymbalta and Lyrica. I am to take the Cymbalta for three weeks then switch to the Lyrica for one week and call the doctor and let her know which helped the most. So far I have been taking the Cymbalta for eight days without much of a difference. Only time will tell.

Smoothie Recipe: Caribbean Crush

I just started making smoothies for one of my meals for weight loss and also for nutritional value needed. I also may be lactose intolerant. Therefore, this smoothie is made with soy milk.

I found it to taste more like the kiwi in it; so you'll have to like kiwi (like me). I enjoyed this one so much I am going to make an alternative by changing one of the fruits for more variety.

Caribbean Crush Smoothie
1 serving

3/4 cup plain soy milk
1/8 cup of lime juice
Half Mango; peeled, pitted and chopped
1 Kiwi, peeled and chopped

In blender combine soy milk, lime juice, mango and kiwi. Blend on low for thirty seconds; blend on high for an additional thirty seconds or until smooth. Enjoy.

I am going to substitute the Mango with a Papaya next.