my ipod is not synching with itunes no matter what i do

I've tried various versions of trying to get my ipod to sync, going by some of the many suggestions i've already read on these posts. None of them work. If I hit the sync music button, it's only trying to sync the last 10 songs i purchased off itunes and wants to erase the other 1094 songs. I don't want to erase anything, must sync what i PAID for and for now it seems the only way i can listen to my new music is to have itunes open on my computer at home.