I am a Speech-Language Pathologist who works tirelessly to learn more about and promote awareness about airway health, sleep disordered breathing and tethered oral tissues. After 20 years of work in the public schools, feeling frustrated that most of the students I worked with had undiagnosed myofunctional disorders and disordered breathing. My referrals to medical providers fell flat time and time again. I felt driven away from my work with that population to work now with the birth to 3 population and their families. I was more than READY to get to the ROOT of the problem! Not only do I have first hand experience with this topic professionally, I have personal ties and experience as well.
My husband uses a CPAP, suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure, obesity, malocclusion, digestive issues persisting into his 50s. I am saddened that his medical providers do not listen and do not help him get to the ROOT of his problems. Presently, 15 years into a journey now with my 15 year old daughter, I am fighting for help. My concerns were dismissed when she as an infant clicked when nursing and I had repeated mastitis. I knew in my gut there was a bigger issue. A lifelong mouth breather, starting orthodontic treatment at the age of 10, I refused to allow them to extract her teeth. She received some palatal expansion but her orthodontic treatment has continued now 5 years later with minimal progress and now an open bite.
I have connected with a myofunctional therapist and we are learning together but I worry that the window is closing to achieve maximum palatal expansion. I recently attended the IAOM convention and will return every year. I am passionate about helping not only the families I work with now (I have LOTS of stories!) but to help my own family. It is the hardest thing I have ever had to do… sometimes I feel so alone and misunderstood on this journey.
I am BEYOND THRILLED that I heard you on The Untethered podcast today. PLEASE feel free to contact me if you want to visit more. I also have pictures of my daughters face/mouth over the years that I can share.
