How it All Began

As usual, I was in my MMA class, and for those who do not know, MMA is mixed martial arts. During sparring, in which we had a partner who we would hit, and they hit you back, I felt a light pain in my left forearm. I tried not to pay too much attention but told my coach what was happening as it became constant and a bit stronger. At first, she thought maybe I hit too hard, but I know that didn’t happen since my sparring partner was a younger girl, and I didn’t hit hard not to hurt her. Then my coach thought it could be carpal tunnel syndrome and maybe I should see my doctor. I agreed and made an appointment.

When I went to my doctor, she recommended seeing an orthopedic specialist. The orthopedic specialist took X-rays and did other tests. He couldn’t find anything, so he sent me to do an EMG (Electromyography) test, where they stick a needle in several places and send electric shocks to test for blockage of the nerve, like patients who have carpal tunnel syndrome. I had worse pain after that test, and when I told the orthopedic, he got upset at me and said that it was impossible. I felt flustered, and I let him know that I was not a child to lie to him and that, yes, it does hurt more, and I had nothing to gain from having more pain.

At that time, one of my jobs was as a medical interpreter, and I had previous experience with orthopedic doctors. I know that his immediate thought was that I wanted to get out of work or sue. I didn’t have anyone to sue and loved my job, so that was not the issue either. He didn’t know what it was and sent me back to my doctor. When I returned to my doctor, she told me there was nothing else they could do. I was upset and cried and pleaded with her. Since I had been looking up my symptoms online and speaking with my husband, we thought that it could be lupus. So, I let her know my thoughts and pleaded to see what else I could do. After some tests and hitting another wall, she said she would recommend me to a Rheumatologist. That was just the beginning for me.