A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing joint equalization and decoding of multidimensional codes transmitted over multiple symbol durations. An RSSE scheme is disclosed that cancels the intrasymbol interference caused by other symbol components within the same multidimensional code symbol. The disclosed RSSE technique for multidimensional codes applies where the number of trellis code dimensions exceeds the number of channels. The disclosed RSSE decoder computes the intersymbol interference caused by previously decoded multidimensional code symbols. In addition, a branch metrics unit compensates for the intrasymbol interference caused by other symbol components within the same multidimensional code symbol. In addition, the disclosed RSSE decoder compensates for the intrasymbol interference caused by other symbol components within the same multidimensional code symbol.