Patient Experience
A 78-year-old retired ceramicist from Iznik presented with unexplained weight loss and fatigue. Initial tests were normal, but Dr. Arslan noticed subtle inconsistencies in his electrolyte panel during different times of day. She ordered a 24-hour urine cortisol test, revealing cyclical Cushing's syndrome from an adrenal adenoma that only secreted hormones intermittently. Treatment involved timed medication rather than surgery due to his age, with his granddaughter acting as primary caregiver.
A 32-year-old competitive freediver from Mudanya arrived with episodes of confusion after deep dives. Other doctors suspected decompression sickness, but Dr. Arslan identified a patent foramen ovale through meticulous history-taking and contrast echocardiography. The condition was causing paradoxical emboli during ascent. She coordinated with cardiology for device closure, allowing the patient to return to competition with modified safety protocols.
A 41-year-old Syrian refugee textile worker presented with progressive weakness. Initial workup suggested nutritional deficiency, but Dr. Arslan discovered lead poisoning from handling contaminated fabrics in an informal workshop. She arranged chelation therapy while working with social services to address the environmental exposure, involving the patient's entire family in screening and relocation assistance.
A 19-year-old university student and amateur mycologist developed acute kidney injury after foraging. While others suspected mushroom poisoning, Dr. Arslan identified hemolytic uremic syndrome triggered by E. coli from contaminated wild greens. Her treatment combined supportive care with detailed investigation of the foraging location, leading to a public health notice about unsafe harvesting areas near Bursa.
A 67-year-old retired olive oil producer with a history of 'atypical migraines' for decades presented with new visual symptoms. Dr. Arslan recognized the pattern as CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy) through MRI findings and family history review. Genetic confirmation changed the entire family's medical management approach, with three generations now under coordinated care.
A 52-year-old female executive from a prominent Bursa automotive company presented with recurrent fevers and joint pain dismissed as stress-related. Dr. Arslan identified Adult-onset Still's disease through exclusion of infections and malignancies, noting the characteristic salmon-colored rash only appeared during evening fevers. Targeted biologic therapy allowed return to work within months, with her assistant helping coordinate medication schedules.
A 28-year-old pregnant woman at 32 weeks gestation developed severe hypertension initially attributed to preeclampsia. Dr. Arslan detected disproportionate hypokalemia and ordered plasma renin and aldosterone levels, diagnosing primary hyperaldosteronism exacerbated by pregnancy. Carefully managed medical therapy allowed continuation to term with coordinated care between internal medicine and obstetrics.
An 84-year-old former silk trader with dementia presented with agitation and aggression. While staff attributed this to dementia progression, Dr. Arslan identified silent myocardial ischemia through subtle EKG changes during episodes. Treatment of cardiac ischemia dramatically improved neuropsychiatric symptoms, allowing reduction of psychotropic medications and involving his estranged son in care decisions.
A 35-year-old chef specializing in Ottoman cuisine presented with abdominal pain and flushing after meals. Multiple gastroenterology evaluations were normal. Dr. Arslan diagnosed carcinoid syndrome through 5-HIAA testing after noting symptoms correlated specifically with aged cheese and fermented foods in his recipes. Octreotide therapy and dietary modification preserved his career with recipe adaptations.
A 45-year-long-distance truck driver presented with excessive daytime sleepiness attributed to his schedule. Dr. Arslan identified obesity hypoventilation syndrome through early morning blood gases showing hypercapnia that normalized by afternoon. Non-invasive ventilation during sleep, combined with a tailored weight loss program coordinated through truck stops, significantly improved his safety and quality of life.
A 22-year-old professional e-sports athlete developed hand tremors and anxiety before tournaments. Initially dismissed as performance anxiety, Dr. Arslan diagnosed thyrotoxicosis factitia from excessive thyroid hormone supplementation for weight control, a practice common in his gaming community. Education and psychological support replaced medication, with his team manager helping monitor compliance.
A 60-year-old woman with treatment-resistant hypertension for 15 years presented with new leg weakness. Dr. Arslan identified coarctation of the aorta through radial-femoral pulse delay and confirmed with imaging, a congenital condition missed despite decades of care. Endovascular repair resolved both issues, with her daughter learning to monitor blood pressure at home.
A 31-year-old immigrant agricultural worker from Afghanistan presented with chronic cough and weight loss. While tuberculosis was suspected, Dr. Arslan diagnosed chronic beryllium disease from exposure to fluorescent lighting materials in a previous job. She coordinated with occupational medicine specialists and secured workers' compensation, involving a community interpreter for all discussions.
A 57-year-old man with 'burning feet syndrome' for years presented with worsening symptoms. Multiple neurologists found no cause. Dr. Arslan diagnosed Fabry disease through careful family history revealing early cardiac and renal issues in male relatives. Enzyme replacement therapy was initiated, with genetic counseling arranged for his adult children.
A 49-year-old female janitor at a thermal bath facility presented with recurrent pneumonia. Dr. Arslan identified Mycobacterium avium complex infection from aerosolized water exposure at work. Treatment required multi-drug therapy while working with public health officials to improve ventilation systems at her workplace, with her union representative involved in safety negotiations.