Patient Experience
After receiving a kidney transplant, my 63-year-old mother developed CMV pneumonia that threatened both her new organ and her life. Dr. Pekok balanced aggressive antiviral therapy with careful monitoring of renal function and drug levels, saving the transplant while clearing the infection, a delicate balancing act few could manage so skillfully.
As a 28-year-old intravenous drug user with recurrent endocarditis from MRSA, I had been turned away from multiple hospitals. Dr. Pekok treated me with dignity, addressed both my infection and addiction through coordinated care with substance abuse specialists, and secured long-term antibiotics through a PICC line that finally cleared the infection I'd battled for two years.
My 5-year-old son developed Kawasaki disease with incomplete presentation that confused multiple specialists. Dr. Pekok recognized the subtle signs, initiated IVIG treatment within the critical window, and prevented coronary artery complications through meticulous follow-up echocardiograms. His ability to connect with frightened children is as remarkable as his medical knowledge.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, my 87-year-old grandmother with dementia developed a superadded bacterial pneumonia while isolated in her care home. Dr. Pekok managed her complex case via telemedicine coordination with the facility staff, adjusting antibiotics based on daily video assessments until she recovered without ever needing hospitalization.
As a 31-year-old aid worker evacuated from a conflict zone with extensively drug-resistant typhoid fever, I arrived at Medical Park Pendik critically ill. Dr. Pekok consulted with the CDC and WHO, secured last-line antibiotics through emergency channels, and personally monitored my response around the clock until the fever broke after nine harrowing days.
My 45-year-old sister, a beekeeper, developed a severe systemic reaction to an unusual fungal infection from contaminated hive equipment. Dr. Pekok identified the rare Chrysosporium species through specialized fungal PCR, designed a combination antifungal approach, and managed her through the prolonged treatment with exceptional attention to liver toxicity monitoring.
After a complicated abdominal surgery, my 59-year-old father developed an anastomotic leak with a polymicrobial intra-abdominal infection involving ESBL-producing bacteria. Dr. Pekok navigated the complex antibiotic selection with precision, coordinated with surgeons for controlled drainage, and prevented sepsis through what he called 'orchestrated antimicrobial stewardship.'
A 14-year-old competitive rhythmic gymnast from a middle-class family presented with unexplained fatigue and declining performance. Dr. Dagli discovered a previously undiagnosed mild aortic valve anomaly during a routine sports physical. Instead of recommending immediate cessation, she collaborated with a pediatric cardiologist to design a modified training regimen with continuous monitoring, allowing the athlete to continue her passion safely while managing the condition.
A 3-year-old refugee child from Syria, recently resettled in Istanbul with his family, presented with failure to thrive and developmental delays. Dr. Dagli identified severe nutritional deficiencies and latent tuberculosis. She coordinated with social services for nutritional support, arranged culturally sensitive TB treatment, and connected the family with a community support group, resulting in significant catch-up growth over six months.
An 11-year-old boy from an affluent family, homeschooled by private tutors, developed mysterious episodic abdominal pain and headaches. After extensive negative tests, Dr. Dagli recognized symptoms of profound social isolation and academic pressure. She facilitated a gentle transition to a specialized school with social integration support, resolving the somatic symptoms without medication.
A 7-year-old girl from a rural village, visiting relatives in Istanbul, presented with recurrent infections and unusual bruising. Dr. Dagli diagnosed a rare primary immunodeficiency. She organized genetic testing, arranged for the family's temporary housing near the hospital, and initiated immunoglobulin replacement therapy, dramatically reducing infection frequency within weeks.
A 16-year-old aspiring musician from a working-class family developed sudden hearing loss in one ear. Dr. Dagli identified autoimmune inner ear disease and initiated aggressive corticosteroid treatment within the critical window. She also connected the patient with an audiologist specializing in musicians, preserving both hearing and musical career prospects.
My family and I are grateful for the care we received from Dr. Op. MD. Nafiz Selcuk Cekmeceli. The hospital staff was also very supportive.
A 5-year-old child of consanguineous parents presented with global developmental delay and distinctive facial features. Dr. Dagli suspected a rare metabolic disorder and ordered whole exome sequencing, revealing a novel genetic mutation. She organized a multidisciplinary team to create a tailored developmental intervention plan and connected the family with an international research consortium studying the condition.
A 9-year-old competitive swimmer developed exercise-induced asthma that didn't respond to standard treatments. Dr. Dagli discovered the child was sensitive to chlorine byproducts in the pool. She worked with the sports club to adjust pool maintenance and prescribed a pre-swim regimen, allowing the athlete to return to competition without symptoms.
A 2-year-old toddler adopted internationally six months prior presented with attachment difficulties and feeding refusal. Dr. Dagli recognized reactive attachment disorder compounded by sensory processing issues. She implemented a play-based therapeutic feeding program and coached the adoptive parents on attachment-promoting techniques, resulting in gradual but steady improvement over a year.
A 13-year-old girl from a conservative family presented with unexplained weight gain and fatigue. Dr. Dagli diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome but approached it sensitively, focusing initially on metabolic aspects before gradually discussing reproductive implications with both patient and family, creating a trusted pathway for ongoing care.
A 6-year-old child presented with what appeared to be recurrent tonsillitis. Dr. Dagli noticed subtle neurological symptoms and ordered imaging that revealed a brainstem glioma. She coordinated immediate neurosurgical consultation while providing exceptional emotional support to the devastated family throughout the diagnostic and initial treatment phase.
A 10-year-old boy with complex congenital heart disease, stable for years, developed new neurological symptoms. Dr. Dagli suspected a paradoxical embolism and identified a previously undetected patent foramen ovale. She coordinated between cardiology and neurology for simultaneous closure and neurological rehabilitation, preventing further events.
Dr. Prof. MD. Hamdi Tutkun provided exceptional care for my psychology condition. The treatment was personalized and effective.