My ordeal differs from yours and Melissa's only in that I did NOT have anyone to advocate in my behalf. I've had to trod that path alone for almost half of my life--ever since a laparotomy in February 1970 caused massive adhesions that attached my omentum to my abdominal wall - 33 years ago!!
I was age 39 when my ARD story began; and, at age 72, I am still searching for a resolution to my chronic pain. I'm not so sure that "Intertissual scarring from a laparotomy in 1970" is the cause of the chronic pain I endure each day.
http://www.adhesions.org/forums/ADHESIONS.0208/0320.html
When the time is right, I hope you and Melissa will want to arrange a meeting with the district senator or representative from your state - with the purpose being to seek his/her assistance in writing up a citation or resolution about ARD that will eventually be approved by the state of Texas.
It is not my intention to downplay what you and Melissa have been through. What you have shared, is information that needs to be heard and "shouted from the rooftops"!!
I say "Amen" to everything you have shared - especially at the following website:
http://www.adhesions.org/forums/ADHESIONS.0306/0205.html
Thank you for sharing!!
Love, Helen