Patient Experience
A 15-year-old transgender adolescent from a supportive but confused family presented with depression and amenorrhea. Dr. Fakirullahoglu diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome unrelated to gender-affirming hormone therapy. He provided culturally sensitive care, treating the PCOS while coordinating with endocrinology for appropriate gender-affirming care, improving both physical and mental health outcomes.
A 4-year-old child of consanguineous parents presented with progressive neurodegeneration. Dr. Fakirullahoglu diagnosed Niemann-Pick disease type C through fibroblast culture and cholesterol esterification studies. While no cure exists, he implemented symptom management and connected the family with a European research trial for experimental therapy, providing compassionate care throughout the progressive illness.
A 28-year-old competitive freediver from the Black Sea coast presented with recurrent episodes of confusion and headache after deep dives. Dr. Koc identified an unusual pattern of delayed-onset cerebral oxygen toxicity exacerbated by a previously undiagnosed PFO (patent foramen ovale). Treatment involved a collaborative approach with cardiology for device closure and a customized recompression protocol, allowing the patient to return to competitive diving with new depth limitations.
A 72-year-old retired Byzantine art restorer presented with progressive weakness and bronze skin pigmentation. Dr. Koc diagnosed Addison's disease masked by years of occupational exposure to pigments and solvents. Treatment involved glucocorticoid replacement and coordination with occupational medicine specialists to address long-term solvent exposure effects, resulting in gradual pigment normalization and improved energy over six months.
A 19-year-old university exchange student from Kazakhstan developed recurrent fevers and migratory joint pain. Dr. Koc identified Brucellosis transmitted through unpasteurized dairy consumed during a rural homestay, complicated by reactive arthritis. Treatment required extended combination antibiotics and rheumatology consultation, with full recovery after three months and education about food safety practices.
A 41-year-old night-shift air traffic controller presented with resistant hypertension and circadian rhythm disruption. Dr. Koc implemented a chronotherapy approach, timing medications to the patient's inverted sleep-wake cycle and incorporating melatonin supplementation. Blood pressure normalized within eight weeks without additional medications, and the patient reported improved alertness during shifts.
A 67-year-old former silk worm farmer from Bursa presented with progressive dyspnea and digital clubbing. Dr. Koc diagnosed hypersensitivity pneumonitis from years of exposure to silkworm cocoon proteins (sericin), a rarely documented occupational lung disease. Treatment involved corticosteroid therapy and complete avoidance of exposure, with lung function improving by 40% over four months.
A 33-year-old professional pastry chef developed unexplained weight gain, edema, and hypokalemia. Dr. Koc discovered licorice-induced apparent mineralocorticoid excess from excessive consumption of glycyrrhizic acid in traditional Turkish desserts. Complete cessation of licorice products and potassium supplementation resolved symptoms within three weeks, with dietary counseling for alternative flavorings.
An 84-year-old Holocaust survivor with complex PTSD presented with somatic symptoms mimicking multiple organ systems disease. Dr. Koc recognized a severe manifestation of somatic symptom disorder rooted in historical trauma. Treatment involved careful coordination between psychiatry, pain management, and internal medicine, focusing on validation of trauma while gradually reducing unnecessary medications over nine months.
A 52-year-long-distance truck driver developed recurrent DVT despite anticoagulation. Dr. Koc identified May-Thurner syndrome (iliac vein compression) exacerbated by prolonged sitting, confirmed by intravascular ultrasound. Endovascular stenting combined with modified anticoagulation and mandatory movement breaks during driving resolved the thrombotic episodes completely.
A 25-year-old professional eSports athlete presented with carpal tunnel syndrome and unexplained fatigue. Dr. Koc diagnosed thoracic outlet syndrome from maintained gaming postures, complicated by nutritional deficiencies from an erratic diet. Treatment involved physical therapy, postural retraining, and nutritional optimization, allowing return to competition with modified training protocols.
A 58-year-old retired deep-sea fisherman presented with neurological symptoms and personality changes. Dr. Koc diagnosed chronic manganese toxicity from years of welding boat repairs in confined spaces, mimicking Parkinson's disease. Chelation therapy and neurological rehabilitation resulted in partial symptom improvement over six months, though some cognitive changes remained permanent.
A 31-year-old refugee from Syria presented with persistent abdominal pain and malnutrition. Dr. Koc identified abdominal tuberculosis with intestinal involvement, complicated by latent PTSD from conflict experiences. Treatment required extended multi-drug therapy alongside trauma-informed care coordination with mental health services, with full physical recovery after nine months.
A 46-year-old traditional coffee house owner developed severe hypertension and tremors. Dr. Koc diagnosed pheochromocytoma triggered by excessive caffeine consumption (15+ cups of Turkish coffee daily). Surgical removal after alpha-blockade preparation resulted in complete resolution, with the patient transitioning to decaffeinated versions of traditional preparations.
A 63-year-old retired chemistry teacher presented with peripheral neuropathy and cognitive decline. Dr. Koc identified chronic low-level mercury exposure from decades of broken thermometer cleanups in classrooms, a diagnosis missed by multiple previous physicians. Chelation therapy halted progression, though existing neurological damage showed limited reversibility.
A 22-year-old ballet dancer from the State Opera presented with amenorrhea and stress fractures. Dr. Koc diagnosed the female athlete triad complicated by relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), requiring coordinated care with endocrinology, nutrition, and sports medicine. A carefully monitored refeeding and modified training program restored menstrual function over five months.
A 70-year-old grandmother caring for five grandchildren developed heart failure symptoms. Dr. Koc identified takotsubo cardiomyopathy triggered by caregiver stress and sleep deprivation, complicated by missed self-care. Treatment involved temporary heart failure management, family counseling to redistribute caregiving responsibilities, and stress reduction techniques, with full cardiac recovery in eight weeks.
At 78, my chronic knee arthritis had confined me to a wheelchair. Dr. Arslan performed a complex bilateral knee replacement at Medical Park Goztepe. His unique approach involved custom 3D-printed surgical guides. I was walking with a walker on day two and now tend my rooftop garden pain-free for the first time in a decade.
As a 14-year-old competitive gymnast, I suffered a rare Salter-Harris type IV fracture in my ankle during a vault. Dr. Arslan's emergency surgery at midnight involved precise micro-fixation to protect my growth plates. His pediatric-specific rehab plan had me back in light training in 3 months, with full clearance predicted before the national championships.
My family and I are grateful for the care we received from Dr. Prof. MD. Abdulkadir Kocer. The hospital staff was also very supportive.