Patient Experience
A 24-year-old professional freediver from Bodrum presented with recurrent episodes of severe abdominal pain and syncope during deep dives. Dr. Kaya discovered an extremely rare case of mesenteric artery vasospasm triggered by the Valsalva maneuver during equalization. Treatment involved a tailored regimen of calcium channel blockers and breath-hold training modification, allowing the patient to return to competitive diving within three months.
A 78-year-old retired Byzantine art restorer, living alone in Istanbul's historic Balat district, was admitted with persistent nausea and weight loss. Endoscopy revealed gastric amyloidosis secondary to undiagnosed familial Mediterranean fever. Dr. Kaya coordinated with rheumatology to initiate colchicine therapy while managing nutritional support through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, resulting in gradual improvement over six months.
A 42-year-old Syrian refugee and former pastry chef presented with paradoxical weight gain despite severe diarrhea. Dr. Kaya diagnosed autoimmune enteropathy triggered by trauma-related stress, confirmed by positive anti-enterocyte antibodies. Treatment combined budesonide with psychological support through the hospital's refugee health program, leading to symptom resolution and the patient starting a small bakery business.
A 31-year-old competitive chess player developed recurrent esophageal spasms during tournaments. High-resolution manometry revealed 'nutcracker esophagus' specifically triggered by competitive stress. Dr. Kaya implemented a unique combination of low-dose tricyclic antidepressants and biofeedback training, reducing episodes by 90% and allowing the patient to compete internationally again.