Patient Experience
A 28-year-old female professional freediver presented with recurrent episodes of dizziness and near-syncope after deep dives. Dr. Işık discovered through meticulous history-taking that she was following an extreme ketogenic diet, which combined with pressure changes was causing severe electrolyte imbalances and autonomic dysfunction. Treatment involved a tailored nutrition plan and collaboration with a hyperbaric specialist, allowing the patient to return to modified diving within three months.
A 72-year-old retired shipyard welder from a low-income neighborhood presented with progressive fatigue and weight loss. Initial tests were inconclusive. Dr. Işık, noting his occupational history, ordered specific heavy metal screening revealing chronic cadmium poisoning from decades-old exposure. Chelation therapy and supportive care led to partial recovery, with Dr. Işık coordinating with social services for his ongoing care.
A 19-year-old university exchange student from Kazakhstan presented with acute abdominal pain and confusion. She had no family in Turkey and limited Turkish language skills. Dr. Işık diagnosed acute intermittent porphyria triggered by medication and fasting during Ramadan, which she was observing alone. Treatment involved heme arginate infusions and cultural-sensitive dietary counseling, with Dr. Işık personally coordinating with the university's international office.
A 45-year-old female novelist presented with a two-year history of migratory joint pain and brain fog dismissed elsewhere as stress. Dr. Işık identified a pattern correlating with manuscript deadlines and discovered, through detailed food and activity logs, a case of mast cell activation syndrome triggered by specific food chemicals and psychological stress. A low-histamine diet and targeted medications brought dramatic improvement in six weeks.