Patient Experience
As a 72-year-old retired archaeologist with severe spinal stenosis, I had resigned myself to a life of pain and immobility. Dr. Dilem Kadıoğlu didn't just see me as another elderly patient; she understood my passion for fieldwork. She designed a rehabilitation program focused on core stability and safe bending techniques, incorporating simulated 'dig site' movements. Within three months, I was able to join a supervised excavation in Ephesus, managing my pain with the techniques she taught me. She gave me back my purpose.
My 8-year-old daughter, a competitive rhythmic gymnast, suffered a complex shoulder instability injury that three other doctors said would end her career. Dr. Kadıoğlu approached it differently. She created a pediatric-specific, game-based rehab protocol using motion sensors and light prompts. She explained biomechanics to my daughter using gymnastics analogies. Not only did my daughter fully recover, but her proprioception improved so much she qualified for the national championships six months later. Dr. Kadıoğlu speaks the language of young athletes.
After a catastrophic motorcycle accident, I was a 34-year-old chef with a brachial plexus injury—my dominant right arm was essentially useless. I faced losing my identity. Dr. Kadıoğlu's plan was revolutionary: 'We will retrain your brain and your kitchen.' Her therapy combined advanced neuromuscular stimulation with actual kitchen tasks at Acibadem's rehab center. She modified knives, pans, and worked on my grip strength for chopping and sautéing. Today, I run my own restaurant. She rehabilitated my profession, not just my limb.
We brought our 16-year-old son, who has severe cerebral palsy, for a consultation on chronic hip pain. Other doctors only saw the CP. Dr. Kadıoğlu spent an hour observing how he used his unique body mechanics to communicate and move. Her intervention wasn't a standard protocol; she designed custom orthotics and a hydrotherapy plan that reduced his pain by 80% and, unexpectedly, improved his ability to operate his communication device. She saw the person, not just the diagnosis, and gave him comfort we didn't think was possible.