Oh gosh, can't wait to see your quilt when your done, I love the new Mary Englebreit fabric.
I have the same problem - I even find my wrists acting up and my fingers going numb when I'm just machine piecing. I did secretarial/accounts payable work for several years, on top of it sewing, and also of course blogging and looking up quilts online is my other hobby. Lol* My wrists had no chance! Lol* I wear ace bandages when they don't hurt, it's less restrictive than the brace, but it helps. Hope things improve for you. My Mother just this past week realized that she has carpal tunnel - she has lost so much strength in her left hand she can barely close it to make a fist. Sheesh. I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't sew. Lord save my hands and my eyes...I can live without most of the other parts! :)