I don't normally ask for this kind of help, but I think I need some clear-headed advice from my sister dancers...

I have a wrist injury that I first noticed about four months ago and, due to slowly increasing discomfort, finally discussed with my doc this past Monday. The cause is unknown and the diagnosis of Tenosynovitis, a swelling of the sheath surrounding a tendon, is clinical only (meaning we've ruled out other likely problems and he's guessing this is it). If the swelling is reduced, the issue will likely resolve itself and I can go my merry little way. If the swelling continues or gets worse, the sheath could burst and then I'd have a longer recovery period and possibly require surgery. An MRI would likely give a definitive diagnosis, which would lead to a more efficient solution plan, but the doc wants to wait three weeks before going that route.

Which leads me to my dilemma. Over the next three weeks, I'm to wear a splint (which I am), take an anti-inflammatory drug (which, again, I am), and do no dancing - which I have a problem with. For one, dancing keeps me sane, PERIOD. For two, I've got a recital in two weeks, my very first. I'm part of two-hour practices twice a week and another three hours worth of classes, not to mention another hour and a half, at least, in the ballroom. I'll skip the ballroom classes, fine, but to do nothing AT ALL for three weeks AND miss my first recital? *shudder*

The diagnosis could be wrong. It could be right and I could dance and nothing at all could happen. It's a gamble, obviously. Do I take it, recognizing how important dance is to me? Or do I stay home, become a nasty, moody bear for three weeks and wait a whole extra year to be in the recital, on the (slight) possibility I could do further harm?

What would you do? Or, even, what HAVE you done in similar situations and are you glad you did?

Thanks very much, ladies. I appreciate your input!