Patient Experience
A 72-year-old retired ship captain from the Black Sea region presented with atypical chest pain after a heated argument with his grandson about politics. His ECG showed subtle ST changes that others might have dismissed, but Dr. Naji recognized early right ventricular infarction. The patient had an unusual allergy to heparin derivatives, requiring a carefully modified anticoagulation protocol. His recovery involved reconciling with his grandson during cardiac rehab, turning medical recovery into family healing.
A 19-year-old competitive freediver training in the Bosphorus was brought in after losing consciousness during a depth attempt. She presented with pulmonary barotrauma and near-drowning, but Dr. Naji identified the more dangerous cerebral arterial gas embolism that others missed. Treatment involved hyperbaric oxygen therapy coordination with the naval hospital and psychological support for the trauma. She returned to diving six months later with strict depth limits.
A 34-year-old Syrian refugee and mosaic artist arrived with her hands severely lacerated after a glass installation accident. Beyond the obvious injuries, Dr. Naji noticed neurological symptoms suggesting early compartment syndrome. He performed a delicate fasciotomy preserving fine motor function. The hospital's art therapy program incorporated her recovery into creating a mosaic about healing, which now hangs in the emergency department waiting area.
A 58-year-old night watchman at a historical hammam collapsed with heat stroke during a Ramadan fast. Complicating factors included undiagnosed Addison's disease and electrolyte imbalances from traditional herbal remedies. Dr. Naji coordinated with endocrinology while respecting the patient's religious practices, creating a customized rehydration and medication schedule that accommodated fasting hours.
A 7-year-old boy from a Romani community presented after swallowing multiple small magnets from a construction toy. The initial X-ray showed concerning alignment, but Dr. Naji's experience recognized the specific pattern of intestinal wall perforation risk. He advocated for immediate surgical consultation against initial conservative management recommendations, preventing serious complications. The family's traditional distrust of hospitals transformed into advocacy for toy safety in their community.
A 41-year-old professional pastry chef arrived with a severe allergic reaction after experimenting with exotic flower essences. The anaphylaxis was complicated by the patient's rare alpha-gal syndrome (mammalian meat allergy) and previous episodes misdiagnosed as anxiety. Dr. Naji identified the specific trigger through detailed ingredient analysis and created a comprehensive allergy action plan that considered both professional and personal environments.
A 67-year-old retired physics professor experienced a syncopal episode while giving a lecture. The cause was determined to be a rare vasovagal response triggered by a specific vestibular stimulation when writing complex equations on the board. Dr. Naji collaborated with neurology to develop a unique treatment involving controlled exposure therapy and beta-blocker timing that allowed the professor to return to teaching.
A 22-year-old international student from Nigeria presented with mysterious recurrent abdominal pain. Multiple previous ER visits had yielded no diagnosis. Dr. Naji recognized the pattern of abdominal migraine, a condition rarely considered in adults. Treatment with preventive medication and dietary modifications resolved symptoms that had been dismissed as psychological for years.
A 50-year-old female bus driver arrived after a minor traffic accident with seemingly disproportionate neck pain. While others focused on whiplash, Dr. Naji identified a developing carotid artery dissection through subtle neurological findings. This early recognition prevented a major stroke, and her recovery included vocational rehabilitation to return to driving with new safety protocols.
A 29-year-old pregnant woman at 32 weeks gestation presented with severe headaches initially attributed to pregnancy. Dr. Naji recognized the signs of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) rather than preeclampsia. The distinction was critical as treatment approaches differ significantly. She delivered a healthy baby at term after careful monitoring and medication adjustment.
An 84-year-old grandmother who survived the 1999 İzmit earthquake arrived with her family after a fall. Beyond the hip fracture, Dr. Naji recognized signs of post-traumatic stress triggered by the earthquake anniversary. His holistic approach included orthopedic care coordinated with geriatric psychiatry, addressing both the acute injury and decades-old trauma.
A 45-year-old imam presented with chest tightness during prayer positions. While cardiac workup was negative, Dr. Naji identified costochondritis exacerbated by prolonged ruku (bowing) positions. Treatment involved physical therapy modifications that respected religious practices, and education about body mechanics during prayer that the imam later shared with his congregation.
A 16-year-old competitive eSports athlete arrived with severe wrist pain initially dismissed as overuse. Dr. Naji identified early complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) through subtle temperature and skin changes. Treatment involved early intervention with sympathetic blocks and a customized rehabilitation program that allowed gradual return to gaming with ergonomic modifications.
A 38-year-old transgender woman presented after an assault, requiring trauma care while navigating significant healthcare discrimination history. Dr. Naji provided medically appropriate care while ensuring dignity and correct name/pronoun usage throughout. He coordinated with hospital administration to develop transgender care protocols for the emergency department based on this experience.
A 61-year-old beekeeper from rural Anatolia arrived after multiple bee stings with evolving symptoms that didn't fit typical anaphylaxis. Dr. Naji recognized the rare presentation of serum sickness-like reaction to bee venom, requiring different management than standard allergic responses. Treatment involved corticosteroids and close monitoring, with education about future exposure risks specific to his profession.