For the past two weeks I was experiencing significant pain in my right wrist. Several people commented that it might be carpal tunnel syndrome. Due to my lifestyle I would assume I would be at high risk for such a condition: I've been a gamer since I elementary school and a programmer since middle school. I work in the computer industry spending my weekdays at the keyboard. I also work at a grocery store (weekends) where I do a lot of repetitive motions (register) and also some heavy lifting (breaking pallets).

Obviously it would suck if I couldn't use my right wrist... would make things like typing and gaming rather difficult (as well as picking up 6-gallon cases of water). However, I kept putting off going to see a doctor (I'm a busy person, I have two additional jobs beyond what I just described) and my wrist seems to be fine now.

How would I know if I have carpal tunnel or not? If it goes away, it's probably not a big deal, right?

Try to shift some of the work to your left hand. It can only help your right hand, Plus your left would be a better Backup Tool.
Now my right wrist is hurting. Ergonomic Keyboard could help along with Your Keyboard Height and Seat position.

The only way for you to definitely know is to see your doctor, who may refer you to a pain specialist or a rheumatologist or an orthopedic specialist. Now those symptoms you describe can lighten up and not bother you for a number of years. I have had episodes of carpal tunnel since 1981.

You could ask your doctor to refer you to an Occupational Therapist or a Rehabiliation person who can explain how to modify your work station, lifestyle, etc. Your doctor can explain that also. If you do not wish to make a visit, at least read up as much as you can, from reputable sites, such as WebMd - WebMD Health Search (http://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default.aspx?query=carpal%20tunnel&sourceType=undefined)

Good luck to you. Take good care of yourself.

Sitwonade:

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves dysfunction or pinching of the Median Nerve.
Symptoms involve the palm side of your thumb, index, and middle finger.

EMGs/NCVs or even color doppler ultrasound can confirm this.

Ultrasonography versus nerve conduction study in p...[Rheumatology (Oxford). 2004] - PubMed Result (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15100417?ordinalpos=10&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsP anel.Pubmed_RVDocSum)

As mentioned above, wrist supports/ splints may help.

When I was operating a computer a lot at my last job at a bank, I developed at different times both carpel tunnel syndrome and De Quervain's... both are painful wrist conditions from repetetive motions.

De Quervain's left when I stopped the motion that caused it... carpel tunnel was more stubborn and only stopped when I stopped using the computer on my job.