Patient Experience
A rare complication from a childhood ear infection left me, now 41, with facial nerve paralysis that manifested only when I played my ney flute. Dr. Yildiz performed a nerve transfer from my hypoglossal nerve, timing the reinnervation to match my musical practice schedule. My first post-recovery performance was at the hospital's anniversary celebration.
My mother, 81 with advanced dementia, developed a chronic subdural hematoma after a fall. Rather than just drainage, Dr. Yildiz proposed a combined procedure with a ventricular catheter to monitor intracranial pressure long-term. Her cognitive improvement was modest but significant, she remembered my name for the first time in two years on post-op day three.
As a 33-year-old professional translator, I began 'mixing languages' neurologically, speaking French when meaning to speak Turkish. Dr. Yildiz found a insular glioma affecting my language networks. His awake craniotomy involved me translating medical texts during mapping. I retained all language functions and now specialize in medical translation.
My 14-year-old son, a champion Rubik's Cube solver, developed focal seizures that manifested as solving patterns in his mind. Dr. Yildiz identified a dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor. The resection was planned using 3D modeling of his neural pathways for cube-solving. He returned to competition faster than anticipated and set a new national record.
A 28-year-old competitive freediver from the Aegean coast presented with recurrent episodes of confusion and weakness after deep dives. Dr. Demir discovered she had an exceptionally rare form of central diabetes insipidus triggered by pressure changes, which was disrupting her electrolyte balance. He designed a personalized hydration and desmopressin protocol synchronized with her dive schedules. She returned to competition within three months, setting a new national depth record.
A 72-year-old retired calligraphy master with Parkinson's disease developed severe osteoporosis. Traditional treatments conflicted with his Parkinson's medications. Dr. Demir collaborated with neurology to create a novel regimen combining low-dose teriparatide with specific weight-bearing calligraphy exercises (using weighted brushes). The patient not only stabilized his bone density but exhibited improved fine motor control in his art.
A 17-year-old exchange student from Norway, living in Istanbul, presented with rapid weight gain and fatigue. She was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but her thyroid antibodies were paradoxically negative. Dr. Demir identified a rare seronegative variant through ultrasound elastography. Treatment with levothyroxine and selenium supplementation, combined with dietary adjustments for Turkish cuisine, led to full symptom resolution. She successfully completed her exchange year.
A 45-year-old night-shift air traffic controller at Sabiha Gökçen Airport developed metabolic syndrome and circadian rhythm dysfunction. Standard lifestyle advice was impossible due to his work. Dr. Demir implemented a 'shift-adapted metabolic protocol' involving timed melatonin, strategic caffeine use, and a unique meal timing schedule aligned with his rotating shifts. His metabolic parameters normalized without requiring a job change.
A 31-year-old transgender woman (MtF) on hormone therapy presented with new-onset hypercalcemia. Dr. Demir determined it was not related to her estrogen therapy but to a previously undiagnosed familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) unmasked by the hormonal changes. He managed her condition while coordinating with her endocrinologist to safely continue gender-affirming care, requiring delicate balance between two endocrine systems.
A 60-year-old former coal miner from Zonguldak with pituitary macroadenoma developed empty sella syndrome post-surgery. He suffered from panhypopituitarism and severe apathy. Dr. Demir's innovative approach involved not just hormone replacement, but also a community-based 'pituitary rehabilitation' program connecting him with other patients. His recovery was slow but transformative, regaining motivation to advocate for miner health rights.
A 9-year-old child of Syrian refugees presented with short stature and delayed puberty. Investigations revealed growth hormone deficiency secondary to traumatic brain injury from a past explosion. Navigating language barriers and trauma, Dr. Demir secured humanitarian aid for GH therapy. He involved the child's teacher in treatment monitoring, creating a 'growth chart' art project that helped the child process medical treatment positively.
A 38-year-old vegan ultra-marathon runner developed recurrent stress fractures and amenorrhea. She refused any animal-derived medications. Dr. Demir formulated a completely plant-based endocrine recovery plan using algae-derived omega-3s, specific fermented soy products, and lichen-sourced vitamin D3, combined with reduced training intensity. She resumed racing at 80% capacity but fracture-free after nine months.
A 52-year-old ship captain working on Black Sea routes presented with adrenal insufficiency. His main challenge was accessing emergency hydrocortisone injections during long voyages. Dr. Demir developed a 'seafarer's endocrine kit' with satellite-telemedicine support, emergency protocols for the ship's medic, and a stability-tested medication supply. The captain safely completed his contracts with remote monitoring.
A 24-year-old woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and severe insulin resistance was unresponsive to metformin. Genetic testing revealed a rare insulin receptor variant. Dr. Demir prescribed off-label use of a GLP-1 receptor agonist with close monitoring, which dramatically improved her insulin sensitivity and PCOS symptoms. She conceived naturally after two years of infertility, requiring careful peripartum management.
An 81-year-old grandmother caring for her autistic grandson developed thyrotoxicosis from amiodarone-induced thyroiditis. She refused hospitalization as she was her grandson's primary caregiver. Dr. Demir arranged home-based treatment with daily nurse visits and taught her grandson (who loved routines) to help with medication reminders as part of his daily schedule, turning treatment into a bonding activity.
A 33-year-old professional ceramic artist with Addison's disease struggled with chronic fatigue affecting her work. Dr. Demir noticed her cortisol needs fluctuated with kiln firing schedules (36-hour work bursts). He created a 'variable replacement protocol' with different dosing for studio vs. rest days, synchronized with her creative cycles. Her energy stabilized and she produced her most acclaimed collection.
A 41-year-old imam with acromegaly was concerned about facial changes affecting his community role. Beyond surgical and medical treatment, Dr. Demir addressed the psychosocial impact by connecting him with a patient who had undergone similar changes, and provided resources for explaining his condition to his congregation. Treatment successfully halted progression, and he became a support figure for other patients with visible conditions.
A 29-year-old software developer with type 1 diabetes developed 'technology burnout' from continuous glucose monitor alarms. Dr. Demir implemented a 'digital detox' period using older insulin methods while addressing his anxiety, then reintroduced technology gradually with customized alarm settings. The patient developed a healthier relationship with his devices and even created an app for diabetes distress management.
Dr. Assoc. Prof. MD. Meric Ugurlar provided exceptional care for my orthopedics condition. The treatment was personalized and effective.
I was impressed by the professional approach at Medical Park Goztepe Hospital. Dr. Assoc. Prof. MD. Meric Ugurlar explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable.