Pituitary News, Issue 8 - Summer 1998.

A DI sufferer's account of her visit to Turkey. Essential reading if you are intending to travel abroad.

by P.M.

Shorts and suntan lotion packed, I was off to Turkey on holiday.

All possible 'emergencies' were catered for: six packs of Desmopressin tucked around me and the luggage; enough 'Arret' to supply the entire resort; cortisone injection for dire emergency and, finally, the contents of two counters of 'Boots the Chemist' completed my packing. I had all the necessary jabs too.

Turkey is a beautiful country, with friendly people and breathtaking scenery. Our first week was relaxing, I found no problem with the heat and took my medication as usual.

The day of reckoning came on the middle Sunday. The 'Turkey Trots' arrived with a vengeance! Other DI sufferers will known about the rapid dehydration which no amount of oral liquids or Arret can possibly conquer. My temperature was rising, and I realised a doctor was needed - fast!

We in Great Britain are fortunate to have medics who understand our conditions, but in a country such as Turkey you would be forgiven for thinking the worst, even trying to make yourself understood. Do they know what DI is? I was worried to say the least. A local doctor was summoned, who examined my tongue which told him all he wanted to know. He gave me a large antibiotic injection before we left the hotel and took me in his car at 4 o'clock in the morning to a clinic in the centre of Marmaris.

The clinic was modern, clean and well equipped, with highly experienced consultants and nursing staff. Dr Ozibel came to see me shortly after arrival, he understood fully about DI and gave me IV fluids plus electrolytes to hydrate me. His prescribed antibiotics, with other medication, enabled me to recover within 48 hours. Interestingly, his examination of my tongue at frequent intervals was his guide to my condition. From a 'baked bath sponge' on arrival at the clinic, to moist and pink post-drips - he pronounced me fit to continue my holiday.

The Turkish diet sheet of black surgary tea and salt crackers allowed my system to recuperate, which had an added bonus of 7lb weight loss.

My experience fortunately, had a happy ending, but I realised that travelling further than Spain could bring difficulties. My MedicAlert talisman was helpful, and taking extra Hydrocortisone was essential.

So, fellow DI patients, if you must see Turkey, stay in Marmaris and give Dr Ozibel my regards.