Listen to Your Doctors

College football season began just a few weeks ago and is a wonderful time in the South. It also reminds me of one of the best times in my life: college. I went to Auburn University in the late ’90s. I met amazing people and fell in love with the Auburn community and spirit.

During my Junior year, I was home for Spring Break. That week, I had an unusual pain in my neck and decided it was time to visit the doctor to find out what was going on. I visited a doctor I had never seen before, who listened to my chest and realized I had a murmur. This was news to me.

He seemed concerned about it and wanted me to see a cardiologist before heading back to Auburn. It was mildly concerning. I listened to him. After a full workup from a cardiologist, I heard something I was not expecting. I had aortic stenosis AND aortic regurgitation. As we listened to them and dealt with the shock of the need for a valve replacement, we decided we needed to listen to a second opinion.

The second opinion was the same as the first one. I needed surgery, a major surgery. 

The new doctor I began listening to during spring break is one I continue to listen to 27 years later as my primary care physician.  Over the years, I believe he listens more than I do.

If you are dealing with some big issues, find someone who you can listen to and who can listen to you, too. 

War Eagle!

B