I hope the brace offers some relief. I have no idea what an offloading brace looks like, maybe it's a different kind of brace. I wore braces on my knees for a long time, and the last orthopedist I saw told me to shred them. Wrapping my leg in a brace actually didn't make things any better as you have to be careful with surgeries, casts and anything constricting. But my legs had atrophied to such a degree that I could barely stand or walk. He said the braces would allow it to further atrophy (so I don't get the offloading brace at all!). This was after 8 months of PT. I wasn't receiving any treatment for RSD, wasn't diagnosed at that time yet. And this is when the orthopedist told me to ditch the PT as well. I had to do one exercise spread out over the entire day. Did that for 3 years without missing a day (!) just to get some musculature back in my upper legs. My upper legs at that point were thinner than my calves and I barely have calves.

I'd go get a second opinion, third, even fourth on that brace if I were you, and on the state of his RSD. Better you get as much information from a lot of different sources early on!

I am so glad that he councellor seems to be good for him and you too.

As far as braces, I wore hand braces for about 3 years off and on. They did help me with the pain. I had other issues such as carpel tunnel, radial and ulner but they didn't seem to make my RSD any worse.

I also had a band for my ulner nerve I had to wear until I finally had surgery on it but the braces did help me with what I needed. I still use my right one at times to help with the spasms of my fingers. I can wear it for awhile and it helps them to calm down and straighten back up. Mine were special made also. I hope they help Reed.

I hope you go to councelling also, it will help you understand and it will help clense you of your inner feelings without fighting with him so much. Although I do understand why you feel as you do at times.

Bill was disabled before me so I had to learn to deal with his disablities and then when I became disabled, he had an even harder time with mine but he was so good about helping me. He did everything I ask of him and more.

Good luck with both of you and just hang in there, it does get better.

Ada

thanks again, guys You are all such a blessing and I am always greatful for your advice. I hope everyone is having a good day and I send my hugs to you all!