Spec. MD. Ozden Yilmaz Reviews

A 28-year-old female competitive freediver presented with recurrent episodes of transient confusion and headache upon surfacing. Dr. Yilmaz, suspecting a non-pulmonary etiology for decompression sickness, discovered a previously undiagnosed patent foramen ovale via contrast echocardiography. Instead of standard hyperbaric treatment, she coordinated a novel regimen of high-flow oxygen therapy combined with targeted antiplatelet medication, allowing the athlete to return to training within three weeks while awaiting a planned percutaneous closure.

A 72-year-old retired shipyard welder from a low-income neighborhood presented with progressive fatigue and a persistent metallic taste. Initial workup for heavy metal toxicity was negative. Dr. Yilmaz, noting his history of working with specialized maritime alloys, ordered mass spectrometry for rare metalloids, identifying tellurium exposure from decommissioned naval vessels. Treatment involved chelation with dimercaptosuccinic acid and dietary selenium supplementation, leading to gradual symptom resolution over four months.

A 19-year-old university exchange student from Central Asia presented with cyclical fevers and arthralgia, initially diagnosed as recurrent viral illness. Dr. Yilmaz identified a pattern correlating with the lunar cycle and traditional herbal tea consumption. She diagnosed familial Mediterranean fever triggered by a specific plant compound, confirmed by genetic testing. Treatment with colchicine prevented attacks, and she educated the patient on botanical triggers unknown in his home region.

A 41-year-old single mother working three cleaning jobs presented with debilitating dizziness and tinnitus. Multiple providers had diagnosed anxiety. Dr. Yilmaz observed nystagmus only when the patient tilted her head while lying on her left side. She diagnosed a rare superior semicircular canal dehiscence, confirmed by temporal bone CT. Rather than immediate surgery, Dr. Yilmaz designed a vestibular rehabilitation protocol and lifestyle modifications that allowed the patient to maintain employment while managing symptoms.

An 84-year-old former beekeeper living alone in a rural mountain village presented with progressive muscle weakness. His children suspected normal aging. Dr. Yilmaz noticed his symptoms worsened after consuming his own honey. Testing revealed tick-borne paralysis from endemic ticks in his apiary, complicated by a mild myasthenia gravis unmasked by the neurotoxin. Treatment involved antitoxin, pyridostigmine, and apiary management education, restoring independence within two months.

A 33-year-old professional video game streamer presented with recurrent kidney stones despite adequate hydration. Dr. Yilmaz discovered the patient consumed excessive high-oxalate energy drinks during marathon streaming sessions while taking high-dose vitamin C supplements for 'immune support.' She designed a tailored hydration protocol using specific mineral waters and timed citrate supplementation, breaking the stone-forming cycle without requiring invasive procedures.

A 57-year-old woman who had recently adopted a rescued street dog from Bulgaria presented with febrile illness and rash. Initial infectious disease workup was negative. Dr. Yilmaz suspected a zoonotic infection uncommon in Turkey and ordered serology for Balkan spotted fever, which was positive. She initiated doxycycline while coordinating with veterinary authorities to test the dog, preventing a potential local outbreak.

A 22-year-old aspiring opera singer presented with sudden voice fatigue and breathlessness. ENT evaluation was normal. Dr. Yilmaz identified exercise-induced laryngospasm triggered by poorly controlled allergic rhinitis during vocal training. She developed a multidisciplinary approach with breathing retraining, targeted antihistamine timing relative to practice sessions, and environmental controls, allowing the singer to successfully audition for conservatory.

A 68-year-old retired chemistry teacher presented with mysterious recurrent episodes of sweating and palpitations. Multiple cardiac workups were normal. Dr. Yilmaz discovered the patient was experimenting with historical alchemy texts and had been sublimating mercury compounds in his home workshop. She diagnosed acrodynia (pink disease) from mercury vapor exposure. Treatment involved cessation, chelation, and reporting to public health authorities for environmental assessment.

A 30-year-old pregnant woman at 24 weeks gestation presented with severe hypertension and visual disturbances. Standard preeclampsia management was partially effective. Dr. Yilmaz identified a concurrent pheochromocytoma through meticulous catecholamine testing timed between blood pressure spikes. She coordinated with obstetrics and endocrinology for alpha-blockade and planned delivery timing, resulting in successful birth at 34 weeks and subsequent tumor resection.

A 45-year-long-distance truck driver presented with unexplained weight gain and purple striae. Previous providers attributed this to sedentary lifestyle. Dr. Yilmaz noted his symptoms began after starting a new medication for chronic back pain purchased abroad. She diagnosed exogenous Cushing syndrome from a clandestine corticosteroid in the unregulated pain cream. Tapering and adrenal axis recovery took nine months, during which she arranged temporary disability support.

A 17-year-old competitive chess player presented with episodes of derealization and tachycardia during tournaments. Cardiology found no abnormality. Dr. Yilmaz diagnosed postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) exacerbated by extreme mental focus and prolonged sitting. She created a management plan involving compression garments, strategic electrolyte loading before matches, and subtle isometric exercises during play, enabling tournament continuation.

A 61-year-old woman presented with progressive neuropathy and skin changes. She had been treated for presumed diabetic complications for years. Dr. Yilmaz recognized the distinctive 'lemon-yellow' skin tint and diagnosed undetected hereditary hemochromatosis. Phlebotomy and genetic counseling for her adult children prevented further organ damage, though some neuropathy remained permanent.

A 39-year-old marine archaeologist presented with recurrent abscesses along old scar lines. Multiple courses of antibiotics provided temporary relief. Dr. Yilmaz identified a rare condition, hidradenitis suppurativa, triggered by prolonged wetsuit use in contaminated waters. She developed a treatment protocol involving targeted antibiotics, laser hair removal in affected areas, and custom diving garment recommendations, achieving remission.