The Doctors Who Listened: How Compassionate Care Changed Brandon’s Life

For most babies, ear infections are simply a part of growing up. For 43-year-old Brandon Todd of Detroit, however, middle ear problems became a lifelong struggle that deeply affected both his physical and emotional well-being.

“Throughout my life I would go to doctors and they would just say I need ear tubes, but they never explained why,” Brandon says. “The treatment impacted me greatly and caused mental and physical pain to the point that I referred to the doctors and treatment as Edward Scissorhands.”

After years of difficult experiences, Brandon avoided seeking treatment whenever possible. But in 2016, a severe infection spread to the base of his skull, causing extreme pain and hearing loss in his right ear.

Brandon, who works as a lead and asbestos inspector for the state of Michigan, says he had previously received positive care through Henry Ford Health. Determined to find answers, he searched the health system’s website for an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Finding a doctor who changed his life

“I came across Dr. Kristen Angster on the website and with consistent positive reviews I made an appointment with her — and it’s the best healthcare decision I ever made,” Brandon says.

He recalls immediately feeling that Dr. Angster approached his care differently than other physicians had in the past.

“She was warm and welcoming, addressed my anxiety from past treatments and listened to my rant for about 20 to 30 minutes,” he says. “She’s also the first doctor that told me I have eustachian tube dysfunction and explained how we could ease my anxiety for treatments in the future.”

Dr. Angster explains many people don’t realize that eustachian tube dysfunction affects adults and not just children. “The eustachian tube connects the space behind the eardrum to the back of the nose, and there are many things that can make it function poorly which leads to fluid buildup behind the eardrum,” she says. “If this becomes a chronic problem for adults, we can often place an ear tube in the office with a quick five-minute procedure, but for patients who are anxious we can also do this with them asleep in the operating room like we did with Brandon to ease his anxiety.”

For Brandon, a father of five boys who grew up playing sports and football, his ear disorder was only one of several health challenges affecting him in recent years.

“I have severe arthritis and knee pain that has affected my ability to be active,” he says.

The chronic pain impacted his mobility, ability to work and overall mental health. Over time, it also contributed to weight gain and feelings of discouragement.

New beginnings through bariatric surgery

At one of his lowest points, Brandon says Dr. Angster once again stepped in to help — this time by connecting him with Dr. Oliver Varban, a bariatric surgeon at Henry Ford Health.

“Like Dr. Angster, Dr. Varban took the time to listen to my concerns,” Brandon says. “I had several issues that may have prevented me from getting surgery, but he proceeded with a plan that has positively affected my life.”

Brandon underwent a robotic gastric bypass procedure, which is done through small incisions (minimally invasive) and involves re-routing how food passes through the intestines. The surgery changes the way the body processes food and naturally increases GLP-1 among other gastrointestinal hormones that are involved with metabolism, blood sugar control and weight loss.

Dr. Varban emphasizes that losing weight is hard and demands a comprehensive yet personalized approach. “Many people struggle with the health effects of obesity but people often forget about the stigma of seeking care, especially if it involves undergoing bariatric surgery. I’m so proud to work with a team that leads with compassion and recognizes that sometime seeking care means we have to be brave during a time we feel most vulnerable.”

Dr. Varban adds that surgery not only helps curb your appetite but also treats a number of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea, often even before you lose weight. “Gastric bypass also helps reduce the amount of inflammation in the joints and along with weight loss can really help people get their mobility back. Brandon’s weight loss has been fantastic and a testament to his commitment to a better life.”

Just one month after surgery, Brandon says the results have already been life changing.“My 50-pound weight loss has allowed me to be much more mobile with less knee pain,” he says. “I’ve been eating healthier, I have significantly more energy for work and spending time with my boys, and I’ve been able to get back to walking, which I love to do.”

Brandon openly shares that during some of his darkest moments, he contemplated ending his life. He credits the Henry Ford Health care team — including mental health specialists, Dr. Angster and Dr. Varban — with helping him rebuild both his physical and emotional health.

“The fact that I was dealing with a mental health crisis and, thanks to Henry Ford doctors and specialists that listened, I am smiling again, thriving again and looking forward to the future, is a great feeling,” he says.