After nearly complete range was re-established in his left arm from using the JAC chair, Orvel's therapists concluded that he had received the maximum benefit from the chair. Orvel's physical therapy time was reduced to three days a week. A second device was introduced for therapy on Orvel's hand that was frozen in a loose claw-like position. The device, a motorized machine that slipped over his hand like a glove, performed range therapy on Orvel's fingers and thumb. This machine worked in much the same way as the JAC chair; the fingers were extended and flexed to a greater distance with each pass. Orvel used this device for three weeks, ten hours per day.

Towards the end of the third week Orvel began to regain sensation in his pinky finger, a feeling that was unfamiliar to Orvel since the rotator cuff surgery. Involuntary movements, however, would still prevent Orvel from performing everyday tasks. At times, his index finger would be sticking straight out. His finger numb and involuntarily fully extended was always a dangerous combination around a hot stove or knife. At this time, Orvel began walking three to four miles a day in an effort to keep his lower body active. Orvel assumed no security in the spread of the disease to his lower extremities.

Another therapy device was used for three weeks, ten hours per day. This device, an electronic stimulator, would send electric impulses to Orvel's fingers and invigorate the nerves. After completing the first three weeks of therapy Orvel underwent an additional three weeks of similar therapy. This final three-week session concluded a total of six months of physical therapy, greatly exceeding any doctor's expectations for Orvel's recovery time. Orvel remained highly active for the next year. A slow but obviously present return of sensation on the outer edge of his left ring finger was a high point in his recovery.

The beast reared its ugly head once again, just as it was thought to be dormant. In the fall of 1999, the disease found its way into Orvel's chest. For three to four weeks, Orvel's pain was so intense, he thought he thought he was having a heart attack. By March of 2000, Orvel finally sought a doctor's opinion and an electro-cardiogram was performed. Orvel's prescription: a hyperbaric chamber. The chamber, filled with 100% oxygen, submerged to a simulated depth of 45 feet for three one-hour sessions. Orvel found instant relief with this therapy. The RSDS that started to subside within his chest was gone. He could now breathe again.

From June to August 2000, Orvel began to lose sensation in his legs. Due to the constant pain that increased with the use of his legs, Orvel was forced to slow his walking speed until the pain was bearable. Each day, he noticed more and more pain, mirrored by less and less walking. This scared Orvel into believing his walking days would soon be over and that he would soon be wheelchair bound. So Orvel went back to the oxygenated hyperbaric chamber. One hour a day for 6 days, Orvel went down. Even on the fifth day, Orvel noticed hardly any improvement in the pain. By the end of the sixth day, Orvel's pain level was decreasing and would eventually completely subside.

Orvel currently works hard to keep RSDS out of his legs for good. Taking no chances, Orvel's increased walking mileage regularly peaks well over 11 miles a day. He has gone from taking 44 pills a day in the early stages of his disease to being drug free today.