Patient Experience
Our 17-year-old son, a nationally ranked eSports athlete, developed severe Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers. Most doctors dismissed it as gaming stress. Dr. Gokturk identified early systemic sclerosis and initiated aggressive vascular therapy, saving his fingers. She even researched eSports ergonomics to adapt his treatment, preserving both his health and his dreams.
A 60-year-old former diplomat, I returned from Southeast Asia with a mysterious illness that baffled specialists. Dr. Gokturk, with her remarkable global health perspective, diagnosed melioidosis, a tropical disease rare in Turkey. Her knowledge of regional pathogens and precise antibiotic regimen pulled me from septic shock. She treated the whole person, understanding the psychological toll of a collapsing post-retirement plan.
I'm a 29-year-old marine biologist who developed recurring anaphylaxis with no clear trigger. Dr. Gokturk diagnosed idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome after exhaustive elimination. She created a 'crisis kit' and management protocol that allowed me to return to field work in the Mediterranean. Her innovation was a cooling vest protocol for heat-induced episodes, something no other specialist had considered.
My 52-year-old husband, a master glassblower, developed lead poisoning from his antique materials. Dr. Gokturk not only initiated chelation therapy but visited his studio to identify contamination sources. She collaborated with an industrial hygienist to redesign his workspace. Her holistic approach treated the poisoning and protected his livelihood, understanding that removing his craft wasn't an option.
As an 81-year-old amateur astronomer, I was admitted with hyponatremia that others attributed to age. Dr. Gokturk discovered SIADH caused by a tiny lung tumor visible only on specific imaging she insisted upon. Her gentle explanation of the cancer link, paired with her meticulous fluid management plan, allowed me to continue my night sky observations throughout treatment.
Our 6-year-old was failing to thrive, with odd gastrointestinal symptoms. After years of searching, Dr. Gokturk diagnosed congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, a rare genetic disorder. She created a detailed enzyme replacement and diet plan using picture cards for our child. Her ability to bridge pediatric and internal medicine solved a six-year diagnostic odyssey in one month.
A 38-year-old professional translator for the UN developed sudden hypertension and anxiety attacks. Dr. Gokturk diagnosed pheochromocytoma, but her genius was in timing the surgery around critical diplomatic negotiations my patient was facilitating. She managed the dangerous tumor medically until the precise window when surgery wouldn't disrupt international peace talks, showing unprecedented patient-centered flexibility.
I'm a 67-year-old traditional shadow puppeteer with severe gout and kidney stones. Dr. Gokturk designed a purine-controlled diet that respected my cultural and ceremonial food practices. She even researched historical Ottoman diets to find acceptable alternatives. Her culturally competent management has kept me pain-free and performing for two years without medication conflicts.
A 41-year-old deep-sea submarine technician presented with the 'bends' after a emergency ascent. Dr. Gokturk, with no hyperbaric chamber on site, managed the decompression sickness using pharmacological strategies and positional therapy she adapted from aviation medicine. Her quick thinking and cross-specialty knowledge prevented neurological sequelae, saving both my life and my rare career.
As a 28-year-old competitive marathon runner, I was devastated when routine screening revealed a previously undiagnosed bicuspid aortic valve with moderate stenosis. Prof. Kaplan didn't just see me as a patient; he saw an athlete. He collaborated with sports physiologists to create a unique monitoring protocol, allowing me to continue training safely while we plan a future valve repair. His approach preserved both my heart and my dreams.
My 94-year-old grandmother, a Holocaust survivor with extreme medical anxiety, developed complete heart block. Traditional pacemaker surgery terrified her. Prof. Kaplan performed a leadless pacemaker implantation through a minimally invasive femoral approach while she was lightly sedated. She was back telling stories in her armchair the same afternoon, calling him 'the gentle magician.'
During my 20-week anatomy scan, they discovered our unborn daughter had critical pulmonary atresia. As expectant parents, we were shattered. Prof. Kaplan met with us weekly, creating a detailed postnatal intervention roadmap and even connecting us with families who had walked this path. Our daughter underwent her first successful catheterization at 3 days old and is now a thriving toddler.
I'm a 42-year-old ship captain who suffered a massive STEMI in the middle of the Atlantic. Medevaced to Istanbul, I arrived with cardiogenic shock. Prof. Kaplan's team performed emergency Impella-supported PCI at 3 AM. What amazed me was his 'seafaring recovery plan' - tailored rehabilitation accounting for my return to maritime duty, including remote monitoring protocols for when I'm weeks from shore.
My 17-year-old son, a champion swimmer, suddenly fainted during training. Genetic testing revealed CPVT, a rare electrical disorder. Prof. Kaplan prescribed a bespoke regimen combining precise beta-blocker dosing with a graduated return-to-swim protocol. He even modified our poolside emergency kit. My son now competes safely with an ICD, and Prof. Kaplan attends his major meets.
As a 63-year-old professional orchestra conductor, I developed atrial fibrillation that disrupted my rhythm perception during performances. Medication left me fatigued. Prof. Kaplan performed a cryoablation with the specific goal of preserving my artistic sensitivity. During the procedure, he had me listen to metronome clicks to map how my heart responded to tempo. I'm back on the podium, perfectly in time.
Our 8-year-old daughter, adopted from a war zone, had multiple ventricular septal defects missed in prior screenings. Traumatized by medical settings, she would panic. Prof. Kaplan transformed her care into a game - calling the echocardiogram 'butterfly pictures' and the catheterization lab a 'spaceship.' She now asks when she can next visit 'Uncle Sahin' for heart pictures.
I'm a 51-year-old ironworker who suffered an aortic dissection while on a skyscraper beam. Rushed to Medical Park, Prof. Kaplan performed a complex endovascular repair. But his real genius was the 'construction site recovery' plan - a phased return to work with wearable monitors and specific instructions for my foreman. I was back earning within months, confident in my repaired heart.
My 78-year-old husband, a retired historian with advancing dementia, developed severe aortic stenosis. He couldn't comprehend traditional surgery. Prof. Kaplan performed TAVI via transradial approach while my husband listened to his favorite historical audiobooks. The team used simple, repetitive explanations. He never realized he'd had heart surgery, just that he could breathe easier during our walks.
As a 35-year-old pregnant woman with peripartum cardiomyopathy after twins, I was facing heart failure and possibly terminating the pregnancy. Prof. Kaplan assembled a team including maternal-fetal specialists and created a minute-by-minute delivery plan. He delivered my twins via planned C-section while monitoring my heart in real-time, then optimized my cardiac therapy. We all went home together.
I'm a 29-year-old vegan ultramarathoner diagnosed with severe iron-deficiency cardiomyopathy from years of extreme diet and exertion. Instead of just prescribing supplements, Prof. Kaplan worked with a plant-based sports nutritionist to create an absorption-optimized meal plan. He treated the athlete and the diet respectfully. My ejection fraction normalized without abandoning my ethical commitments.