E-luminations: Racing Cars Helps Me Live With Degenerative Swallowing Disorder

It’s not often that a person growing up among the cotton fields of southwest Oklahoma goes on to become a successful manager of global technology companies, but Leland White is not your average person. During his career, he built and managed semiconductor manufacturing plants around the world and provided management consulting services to large corporations and federal agencies. After a successful business career, he retired in Colorado to pursue two passions: downhill skiing and high-performance driving. Referred to by family and friends as “Lee,” he turned 78 last spring. I talked to Lee about the challenges he’s faced for more than a decade with a progressive swallowing disorder. The support of speech-language pathologists specializing in dysphagia, as well as his positive attitude, allowed him to continue to do the things he loves. How did the problem begin? The problem began as a minor sore throat in 2002, which worsened over time. After numerous tests the consensus was acid reflux. But none of the prescribed medications relieved my symptoms. Eventually, I made an appointment at the National Jewish Hospital in Denver, where specialists corroborated the diagnosis of acid reflux. A modified barium swallowing test revealed an inability to swallow “normally.” Because of these findings, the physicians at National Jewish recommended I see a neurologist to rule out the possibility of a stroke. After a battery of tests, the neurologist diagnosed my condit...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Tags: Health Care Slider Speech-Language Pathology Dysphagia Swallowing Disorders Source Type: blogs