AR35: Resolution Text

LRB-3838/1

PJD:jld:kjf

2001 - 2002 LEGISLATURE

2001 Assembly RESOLUTION 35

October 8, 2001 - Introduced by Representative Gard. Referred to Committee on Public Health.

AR35,1,1 Relating to: urging increased awareness of Adhesion Related Disorder.

AR35,1,4 Whereas, efforts to increase awareness regarding health issues that affect residents of the state of Wisconsin merit the support of the Wisconsin state assembly; and

AR35,1,7 Whereas, it is important to call attention to the serious medical condition of adhesion related disorder (ARD), which afflicts many residents of this great state; and

AR35,1,10 Whereas, adhesions are internal scars that frequently occur after surgery and can grow to connect internal organs not normally connected leading to chronic pain, recurrent bowel obstruction, and infertility; and

AR35,1,13 Whereas, in extreme cases, some patients have had to endure over 20 operations to remove adhesions because of the propensity for regrowth of scar tissue; and

AR35,2,2 Whereas, ARD may become so severe that patients are unable to work; health care or disability insurance is difficult to obtain; family life is devastated; and the emotional health of ARD sufferers is severely affected, leading to life-threatening depression and isolation; and

AR35,2,5 Whereas, hospital admissions for ARD number over 300,000 per year, rivaling those for heart bypass, appendectomy, and other common operations, yet the awareness of this serious condition is relatively low; and

AR35,2,9 Whereas, the lack of awareness about adhesions and ARD means that many doctors do not understand the condition and are unable to treat adhesions, insurance companies are unwilling to pay for treatment, and patients' efforts to get well are continually frustrated; and

AR35,2,13 Whereas, the International Adhesion Society was formed in 1996 to promote awareness about adhesions, to provide support to patients and information to medical professionals, and to encourage research into adhesions and their prevention; and

AR35,2,16 Whereas, in recognition of the debilitating effects ARD has had on those afflicted, it is incumbent upon the residents of this state to support the courageous individuals living and coping with this painful condition; now, therefore, be it

AR35,2,20 Resolved by the assembly, That the members of the Wisconsin assembly hereby recognize ARD, promote awareness of this debilitating condition, and support further research leading to advancements in the treatment of this disorder; and, be it further

AR35,2,23 Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall transmit copies of this resolution to Beverly Doucette, the International Adhesion Society, and the Wisconsin Medical Society.

AR35,2,24 (End)