[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 11 (Wednesday, February 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E103-E104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF A HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR A NATIONAL 
                REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY (RSD) MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 2000

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of and 
support for people like Betsy Herman who suffer from an excruciatingly 
painful disease called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). RSD is a 
post-traumatic condition triggered by an injury, surgery, or infection. 
In simple terms, it is a malfunction of the nervous system in the 
body's attempt to heal. It may strike at any time, resulting in intense 
inflammation, swelling, stiffness and/or discoloration of the nerves, 
muscles, bones, skin and circulatory system.
  Because RSD is a complex and little-known disease, Betsy, like scores 
of RSD sufferers, went for years without being diagnosed with this 
debilitating disorder. Instead of receiving prompt treatment for RSD 
after a sprained ankle and pulled muscle when she was 12 (which could 
have led to full recovery), Betsy was accused of faking and 
exaggerating her condition and was sent for psychological counseling.
  Unfortunately, five years and six surgeries later, Betsy now walks 
with the help of an implanted device and must drive over 100 miles once 
a week for treatment. While other teenagers play sports and attend 
proms, Betsy must wait until classes are in session until she walks the 
halls of her high school to assure that she isn't bumped, since even 
the slightest touch can sometimes cause severe pain.
  Despite the tremendous physical agony and emotional pain Betsy has 
suffered at the hands of RSD, she has worked diligently to educate the 
public about the condition. She recognizes that public education will 
help lead to correct diagnoses and increased investments in research 
and treatment for RSD. She also created an on-line support group for 
teens with RSD, providing a crucial lifeline to other young people 
afflicted with this incurable disease. In recognition of her efforts, 
the RSD Hope Group presented Betsy with their Humanitarian of the Year 
Award last fall.

[[Page E104]]

  It is for Betsy Herman and other RSD sufferers that I introduce this 
Resolution today expressing the sense of the House of Representatives 
that October should be named ``National Reflexive Dystrophy Awareness 
Month.'' I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this effort to 
increase awareness, augment funding, and better diagnose and treat this 
horrible disease.

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