Aaron Dubay's Journey as a Speech-Language Pathologist

  • Introduction
    • Speaker: Aaron Dubay
    • Licensed speech-language pathologist
    • Faculty at Fontbonne University, Director of Clinical Education
    • Experience: Full-time for 2.5 years, adjunct for 5 years
  • Background
    • Originally obtained a Master's degree in sociology
    • Transitioned back to school after 10 years for a specific career path, choosing speech pathology
  • Early Health Issues
    • Experienced unexplained medical conditions during mid to late twenties: pain, stiffness, malaise
    • Doctors struggled to diagnose the cause over several years
    • Notable incident: hand shaking while shifting a manual car, prompting further concern
  • Clinical Experience and Self-Realization
    • First clinical experience in a Developing Language Group (DLG)
    • Difficulty manipulating objects, notably during hands-on activities like using laminate paper
    • Challenges with daily tasks such as chopping fruit due to hand coordination issues
    • Realization that symptoms were impairing ability to perform expected clinical duties
  • Seeking Diagnosis
    • Consulted various doctors, eventually pushed for a better neurologist
    • Diagnosed in February 2009
    • Citing struggles with swallowing and excessive salivation control, leading to coughing and drooling
  • Symptom Progression
    • Symptoms worsened, including dragging right leg and mobility issues
    • Shifted focus to surgical options when medications no longer provided relief
  • Current Management
    • Medication regimen increased from initial 2 medications to 5 over 5 years
    • Treatment focused on managing symptoms of an incurable and progressive condition
    • Current daily management includes a main medication taken multiple times and an antidepressant
  • Social and Psychological Impact
    • Initially fearful of disclosing health condition due to job security concerns
    • Shifted perspective; recognized the importance of sharing personal experiences for educational purposes
    • Engages in speaking opportunities to raise awareness and educate others
  • Additional Symptoms and Effects
    • Notable loss of sense of smell and altered sense of taste over time
    • Personal anecdotes showcasing the impact on lifestyle and daily interactions (e.g., working with children)
  • Conclusion
    • Emphasized the importance of addressing personal health issues openly and using experiences as learning opportunities for others
    • Reflected on the journey from concealment to acceptance in the context of personal and professional life, highlighting resilience and adaptability