Since Jay's swallowing issues is caused by his esophagus (or at least, that's what the doctors believe), our speech pathologist recommends we schedule an appointment with a doctor of gastroenterology. Since all of our other options haven't resolved this issue, this is going to be our next course of action.
The speech pathologist believes that the feeling of a lump in his throat is a referred sensation from the esophagus, because Jay has some peristalsis (or squeezing motion) that goes up and down vs. just straight down. This is likely due to the shape of his spine and trunk.Because the entire pharynx/esophagus is highly innervated, it often sends false signals upward. So Jay feels distension in his esophagus briefly, but the nerve sends a signal that it's higher up in the throat.
The specialist that our speech pathologist recommends is located at the hospital where we had that trouble with acquiring a stretcher/cart. Plus, not only is the hospital located in a very congested area, but they even charge for parking! I can't believe they even charge patients that are admitted.
Hopefully, we can find a G.I. at the hospital across the street from where we live. That would be the most convenient for us. The expert that our speech pathologist likes does not have an office, at the hospital, near our home. The sooner we can get some answers, the better... I hope and pray the answers will solve Jay's swallowing problem. We are running out of options.
