thanks for the update towelhorse. any chance you can show us that brace you devised. i'm very curious but couldn't understand your prev. explanation very well.

"I have mentioned previously that I use a brace to hold my shoulders down and back because this stops much of the muscle spasms which occur in my upper back. "

I don't recall if you've tried the actual Edgelow breathing method exercises; you might find his video interesting. it shows breathing in both lying down and seated positions.