Imagine being a young man, just 27, on the cusp of building your career and family life, when a relentless illness strikes, bringing agonizing pain and uncertainty. This was the reality for Yash Dilipbhai Dharsandia from Junagadh, Gujarat. His story is a powerful account of enduring severe challenges, navigating various treatments, and ultimately finding a path to stability and renewed hope in the face of chronic calcific pancreatitis.

The Alarming Onset and Escalating Struggle

Yash’s struggle began in October 2022, just days before Diwali, with sudden, severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Initially dismissed as gas, the pain persisted, leading him to the hospital where he received pain relievers and anti-vomiting injections. While temporary relief was found, no definitive diagnosis was made at first.

The attacks, however, became frequent, recurring every 15-20 days. After the third episode, a family doctor suggested serious investigation, leading to blood reports and a CT scan which revealed swelling in his pancreas – pancreatitis. Doctors advised admission, pain management, and a restricted diet, promising the swelling would subside. Yet, even after discharge, the intermittent pain continued.

The situation escalated when further scans in Rajkot revealed his pancreatic ducts had narrowed significantly. Doctors recommended an ERCP procedure to insert a stent. Unaware of the severity of pancreatitis, Yash underwent the procedure. However, even after the stent was placed, attacks resumed within a month or two, leading to doctors stating the stent was too small and a larger one was needed. This cycle of severe pain, hospitalizations, and repeated ERCP procedures (three to four within five to six months) continued, resulting in nine to ten hospital-admitting attacks. Yash also experienced significant weight loss, dropping 16 kg from 100 kg to 84 kg due to the illness and restricted eating during hospitalizations. His personal life suffered, with job disruptions and concerns about his future and marriage.

A New Direction: Discovering Padaav Ayurveda

Feeling that conventional medicine offered no lasting solution – “एलोपैथ में ऑप्शन ही नहीं था” (there was no option in allopathy) – Yash was referred to Padaav by a friend whose relative had found relief there. Initially skeptical, thinking “अगर यह एलोपैथी वाले भी कुछ नहीं कर पा रहे हैं इतना साइंस आगे बढ़ गया है तो इसमें भी कुछ नहीं है तो आयुर्वेदिक में तो क्या ही होगा” (if allopathy can’t do anything even with such advanced science, what could Ayurveda possibly do?), Yash’s skepticism was gradually overcome as his condition worsened with more attacks during his research period.

He contacted Padaav and spoke with Karuna Ma’am, who explained their 21-day inpatient treatment involving diet, lifestyle guidance, and medication. Despite his apprehension, particularly about the strict routine, Yash decided to commit.

The Journey to Stability: Treatment and Transformation at Padaav

Yash’s 21-day stay at Padaav in April 2023 marked a turning point. Even during his stay, he experienced a mild attack, which allowed the Padaav team to observe his condition directly and tailor his treatment more effectively. He noted seeing other patients who had been suffering from pancreatitis for years and were also finding relief.

The treatment plan at Padaav included personalized medication and comprehensive dietary and lifestyle guidance. A key difference from his previous hospitalizations was that during an attack at Padaav, instead of complete food restriction, he was given “नींबू पानी और मलाई से जो अमर है” (lemon water and Amar with cream). This specific regimen, unlike prior methods, helped him manage the pain effectively, leading to noticeable relief within a day.

After his 21-day inpatient treatment, Yash followed a strict four-month home rest period as advised. Despite the initial difficulty in adjusting to the restricted lifestyle, he maintained discipline, knowing it was for his long-term health. Subsequently, he continued medication and adhered to the dietary and lifestyle routine for a year.

A significant moment occurred when Yash, planning to study abroad, decided to have his stent removed in July 2023, against the advice of his previous doctors who warned of severe consequences. Although he experienced a severe attack shortly after discontinuing Padaav’s medication (due to hospital protocols that prevent outside food/medication), he quickly resumed his Padaav treatment. He returned to Padaav for two weeks in September 2023 to further stabilize his condition.

Stopping the Progression: A Path to Lasting Health

Since consistently following Padaav’s treatment plan, Yash has experienced a remarkable shift. While he previously faced a “chain formation” of attacks every 14-15 days, he now reports no major symptoms or hospitalizations. Although occasional acidity might occur, it’s easily managed. The constant fear of pancreatitis has subsided, replaced by a sense of control and confidence. His weight has stabilized, and the weakness that once plagued him is gone.

Yash’s experience demonstrates that chronic calcific pancreatitis, while a progressive disease, can have its progression effectively managed and stopped through dedicated Ayurvedic treatment. His journey highlights several crucial elements:

• Comprehensive Care: Padaav’s approach integrates personalized medication with detailed dietary and lifestyle modifications.
• Patient and Attendant Dedication: Yash’s commitment to the prescribed routine, even when challenging, was paramount to his success.
• Empathetic Support: The care he received from the Padaav team, described as “motherly care”, provided crucial emotional support and reassurance.

A Future Unwritten: Hope for Others

Today, Yash is pursuing his dreams. He has started his own export business and is actively planning his marriage, both of which seemed impossible during his illness. His life has returned to normal, with him able to work and socialize without the constant fear of pain.

Yash’s story offers immense hope to individuals struggling with chronic pancreatitis. It underscores that while the disease can be daunting, a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach, coupled with discipline and support, can effectively manage its progression, allowing individuals to reclaim their health and live fulfilling lives. Maintaining these positive lifestyle changes will be key to his continued well-being.