What comes first - carpel tunnel or a completed blanket?

I think my parents have super human powers and I want to show them how great I think they are. My parents helped my husband and I get married this summer. They did everything from paying for most of it, listening to me whine, hosting party after party, giving us tons of presents and partying like rock stars until the wee hours of the morning. As a thank you I wanted to make something really meaningful for them this Christmas. Ok, that's a lie. I wanted it for the wedding but was so busy and overwhelmed the blanket took a back seat.

After the wedding I started working like a little bunny, didn't follow a pattern and happily displayed my progress to my new Gramma who raised an eyebrow, instructed me to rip it apart, start over and follow a flippin pattern. She softened the blow by offering to do it for me. I was so close to taking her up on it. Instead, to make myself feel better, I took a pair of mittens she was making for low income families. I know, I know, but I've never had a Gramma who knit until now. I couldn't help it.

So, I started anew. I'm following a pattern this time. It consists of one painful knit row after another. I'm 55% finished the blanket with 9 days to go. I've basically spent every available second on knitting or working at my computer. As a result I think I have carpel tunnel. Not the kind where your wrists hurt and you say 'oh, I have carpel tunnel'. No, no, not that kind. I'm hardcore. My wrists burn, fingers feel tingly, my palms feel like they are itchy and on fire and sometimes I get a weird bump smack dab in the middle of my palm about 1/4 inch high and the size of a quarter. Needless to say this has slowed down my progress in the final stretch.

I have a Doctor's appointment on Friday. Hopefully she can help. The carpel tunnel wrist guards I wear to bed and warm baths have been helping though.

Stay tuned for updates and pictures. Because, come hell or high water I am finishing that f'en blanket. Let's hope my Mom doesn't ask for a gift receipt so she can return it.