Patient Experience
As a family of Syrian refugees in Istanbul, our 3-year-old daughter Leyla developed severe pneumonia. We had no insurance and little Turkish. Dr. Didem not only arranged emergency treatment at Bagdat Caddesi Medical Center but also connected us with a charity for the bills. She learned basic Arabic phrases to comfort Leyla, who now calls her 'Teyze Didem.' Leyla's recovery was a miracle that restored our hope in humanity.
My 14-year-old son Kaan, a nationally ranked junior swimmer, was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma that threatened his career. Dr. Didem created a unique 'breath training' protocol combining medication with specific breathing exercises synchronized to his stroke count. She collaborated with his coach remotely. Kaan not only returned to competition but broke his personal best within six months, calling Dr. Didem his 'secret weapon.'
Our newborn twins, born at 32 weeks, had completely different medical journeys. Alara thrived quickly, while Efe struggled with feeding intolerance. Dr. Didem treated them as individuals, not a 'twin case.' For Efe, she designed a gradual feeding plan based on minute behavioral cues we'd never noticed. Her handwritten progress charts comparing their development side-by-side gave us clarity during a terrifying time. Both are now thriving 1-year-olds.
During a family vacation from Norway, our 8-year-old son Magnus developed acute appendicitis. Dr. Didem managed the emergency surgery and post-operative care while navigating language barriers and our foreign insurance. She created a 'recovery passport' in English and Norwegian with pictograms for his care instructions. Her coordination with our home pediatrician in Oslo was seamless. Magnus still keeps the passport as a souvenir of his 'Turkish adventure.'