Legislators honor those with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome

TRENTON — Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus and Assemblyman Parker Space designating November as “Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Month” has cleared the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee.
“RSDS is often misdiagnosed because the condition is either unknown or is poorly understood,” said Phoebus. “The prognosis is usually much better when the condition is identified and treated as early as possible. If delayed, eventual permanent disability is often the result.”
RSDS, also known as complex regional pain syndrome, is characterized by severe burning pain, pathological changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling and extreme sensitivity to touch. RSDS is thought to be a nerve disorder that generally occurs at the site of a minor or major trauma injury, but may also occur without an apparent injury.
“New Jersey established a RSDS program in 2007 to promote research to identify, diagnose and treat this disorder,” said Space. “Designating November of each year as RSDS awareness month will further enhance our efforts to educate the public about this painful and progressively chronic condition.”
Former Hamburg Borough Councilman Chris Kelly presented the idea to declare November RSDS Month because it has affected his family.
"I had never heard of RSDS or knew what it was,” Kelly said. “Then one day, my wife slipped on the ice and broke her wrist. Six years later, she continues to suffer every day with the constant physical pain and emotional trauma caused by this terrible disease, RSDS. We thank Assemblywoman Phoebus and Assemblyman Space for sponsoring this bill.”