Over the next two years, I continued all the daily recovery strategies religiously, and gradually added and changed my exercise regimen to incorporate things like golf, cross-country skiing, and low-impact aerobics. I added new activities with great caution, applying the quota-based system of progression to everything that I started. Usually I developed some mild pain and aching when I started a new activity but it would disappear after a few days. Without applying the quota system, a long-term flare-up would probably occur. I have learned great patience as a result of having RSD.

Gradually, I gained some weight back and my calf muscle increased to a more normal size. I also began wearing a larger variety of shoes, which I had been unable to do since developing RSD. The temperature of my foot slowly became more normal, although to this day, it still remains very cool on cold days.