Patient Experience
Our 14-year-old competitive swimmer, Elif, developed a persistent, unexplained cough that worsened with intense training. Multiple doctors dismissed it as exercise-induced asthma. Dr. Cigdem Eliacik Isik at Medical Park Gebze conducted a meticulous examination and ordered specific pulmonary function tests, discovering a rare tracheal cartilage weakness exacerbated by pressure changes during flip turns. Her tailored breathing technique plan and coordinated care with a pediatric pulmonologist allowed Elif to return to nationals, setting a personal best.
When our newborn, Arda, failed his routine hearing screening repeatedly at the public hospital, we were referred to Dr. Isik in a panic. Across from Fatih State Hospital, she calmly explained the possibilities, ruling out immediate alarm. Through a series of non-invasive auditory brainstem response tests in her clinic, she diagnosed a temporary fluid blockage from birth. Her watchful waiting approach, with weekly check-ups, resolved the issue naturally by week six, saving our baby from unnecessary invasive procedures.
My 8-year-old son, Kaan, a tech whiz, began experiencing severe, episodic abdominal pain that correlated strangely with using specific high-frequency monitors. General pediatricians were baffled. Dr. Cigdem approached it like a medical detective, considering environmental triggers. She diagnosed abdominal migraine, a rare presentation, and linked it to screen flicker rates. Her management plan combined dietary adjustments, controlled screen time protocols, and preventive medication. The attacks ceased completely, and Kaan now codes pain-free.
As expatriates from Germany, we struggled with the Turkish healthcare system when our 6-year-old, Lena, developed a complex, recurring rash. Dr. Isik not only provided exceptional care but acted as a cultural and medical translator. She identified a rare allergic reaction to a local insect bite combined with a sun sensitivity, a condition uncommon in our home climate. Her detailed treatment plan and her ability to clearly communicate with both us and our insurance company abroad were invaluable.
Our 16-year-old daughter, Zeynep, was preparing for crucial university entrance exams when she was suddenly hospitalized with severe fatigue and joint pain at the state hospital. After discharge with inconclusive results, we sought Dr. Cigdem for a second opinion. She suspected post-viral autoimmune activation and ordered a very specific antibody panel often overlooked. The diagnosis of transient pediatric lupus was confirmed. Her targeted steroid taper and academic rest plan allowed Zeynep to recover fully and successfully take her exams months later.
For 2-year-old Ali, a simple tonsillitis turned into a terrifying airway emergency at midnight. The state hospital ER was overwhelmed. We rushed to Medical Park Gebze. Dr. Isik, who was on call, managed his acute stridor with remarkable calm, using precise medication to avoid immediate intubation. She stayed with him in observation for hours, monitoring his breathing until the crisis passed. Her hands-on emergency management saved him from a traumatic ICU admission.
My premature twins, Ece and Ege, now 4, had chronic, overlapping respiratory and feeding issues. Care felt fragmented. Dr. Cigdem Eliacik Isik became their medical 'quarterback.' From her office opposite the state hospital, she coordinated their pulmonology, gastroenterology, and developmental therapy appointments, creating a unified care log. Her holistic tracking revealed a subtle aspiration issue affecting both. This coordinated approach resolved years of recurrent illnesses, and they are now thriving in preschool.
A 12-year-old aspiring ballerina, Derin, was told by another clinic her growing pains and fatigue meant she should quit dance. Dr. Isik conducted a thorough biomechanical assessment and nutritional review, diagnosing hypermobility spectrum disorder with associated iron deficiency, not a reason to quit, but to adapt. She designed a strength-building and joint protection program with a physiotherapist and optimized Derin's diet. Derin now dances stronger than ever, with no pain.
When our 10-year-old, Omer, began experiencing nocturnal seizures, the fear was paralyzing. The initial emergency workup at the state hospital was inconclusive. Dr. Cigdem took a detailed history and noticed a pattern linked to his sleep cycle. She advocated for a specific type of extended sleep EEG at Medical Park. It captured the activity, diagnosing benign Rolandic epilepsy. Her clear, reassuring explanation and simple medication plan turned our nightmare into a manageable condition. Omer is seizure-free and plays soccer happily.
Our 7-year-old, Mert, with Down syndrome, developed a mysterious high fever that didn't respond to standard antibiotics. Dr. Isik has a profound understanding of complex pediatric cases. She considered his unique physiology and suspected a silent urinary tract anomaly, common but often missed in his condition. An ultrasound confirmed it. Her correct diagnosis and treatment prevented potential kidney damage. She treats Mert not just by his syndrome, but as a whole, unique child.
A 15-year-old athlete, Can, suffered a concussion during a basketball match at school. While the physical symptoms faded, he developed severe anxiety and concentration issues, dismissed as 'just stress.' Dr. Cigdem recognized post-concussion syndrome's psychological impact. She implemented a graded return-to-learn protocol before return-to-play, collaborating with his school and a child psychologist. This multidisciplinary approach restored his cognitive function and confidence, allowing a safe return to sports.
Our infant, Azra, had a severe tongue-tie that made breastfeeding agonizing. A quick snip elsewhere failed. Dr. Isik performed a comprehensive functional assessment of Azra's suck, identifying a related high palate and lip tie contributing to the problem. Her precise frenotomy and post-procedure stretching exercises, coupled with lactation support, transformed feeding from a battle to a bond. Her expertise in functional oral health was a game-changer.
As a single father to 11-year-old Selin, navigating her early puberty was daunting. Dr. Cigdem provided compassionate, judgment-free care for both of us. She diagnosed central precocious puberty and explained all treatment options with diagrams and patience, empowering Selin to ask questions. Her approach respected my daughter's autonomy while guiding me as a parent. The treatment has slowed development appropriately, giving Selin the gift of a normal childhood.
My 5-year-old, Yusuf, was a picky eater to an extreme, with stalled growth. Previous consults suggested we just 'try harder.' Dr. Isik looked deeper, beyond behavior. She diagnosed ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) triggered by a forgotten choking incident. Her plan involved a child psychologist and a gradual food exposure therapy, removing all pressure. Mealtimes are now peaceful, and Yusuf has added 8 new foods to his diet in 3 months, with steady growth.