Rajkot, Gujarat, India — For Raj Khanapara, a 26-year-old businessman from Rajkot, the onset of severe abdominal pain at age 16 marked the beginning of a relentless, decade-long battle with chronic pancreatitis. What began as a bewildering affliction during his high school years evolved into a condition that severely disrupted his education, social life, and sense of future, ultimately compelling him to seek solutions beyond the conventional medical frameworks. His journey underscores the profound impact of chronic illness on young adulthood and the increasing exploration of alternative therapies in the face of limited conventional options.

The Unseen Enemy: A Life Defined by Recurrence

Raj’s first acute pancreatitis attack occurred on June 30, 2016, during his 11th grade in a hostel. Around 2:30 PM, he experienced chest pain that soon migrated to his stomach. By morning, severe vomiting ensued, making it impossible to keep down even water. A local doctor diagnosed “swelling in the pancreas,” and he was admitted for 4 days. Lab findings included a WBC count of 21200, and Lipase at 762 U/L. A CT scan on July 6, 2016, further revealed acute necrotizing pancreatitis with a large fluid collection and splenic vein thrombosis. A stent was inserted on September 3, 2016, to manage a large pseudocyst formation , and later removed on September 23, 2016.

After a period of normalcy, the attacks recurred with distressing regularity. A second attack, characterized by mild abdomen and back pain, struck on September 6, 2017 , leading to another 2-day hospitalization with Lipase at 6850 U/L. A third attack on December 7, 2017, required a brief hospitalization. The most severe phase arrived in January 2021, when he was diagnosed with both pancreatitis (showing an atrophic and hypoechoic pancreas on USG) and diabetes simultaneously (HbA1c of 8.62%). This necessitated a 7-day hospitalization with a high WBC count of 19100 and elevated Platelets. A subsequent CT scan in September 2023 confirmed Chronic Pancreatitis with chronic thrombosis of the splenic vein and associated collaterals.

The recurring illness cast a long shadow over his life. His 12th-grade board exams were impacted, and his college years were marked by severe dietary restrictions and social isolation. He could not enjoy outings with friends, confined to consuming only boiled food. The constant question of “what will I do next?” plagued him, creating deep uncertainty about his future and career. His family, initially perplexed by the attacks, grew increasingly concerned as the episodes became more frequent. The total financial burden from his conventional treatments reached an estimated ₹12.5 lakh.

The Quest for a Definitive Solution: A Pivot to Ayurveda

It was after his final severe attack in 2021, while he was in the ICU, that Raj critically examined his situation. Through MRI and CT scan reports, he independently discovered the term “Chronic Pancreatitis”. This led him to extensive research on Google and YouTube, where he found more detailed information about the disease than he had received from his doctors. His understanding solidified that conventional medicine, as described to him, offered limited long-term solutions: “जब अटैक आएगा तब आपको एडमिट होना पड़ेगा और सूजन हट जाने के बाद आपको डिस्चार्ज कर दिया जाएगा ऐसे ही लाइफ चलानी होगी” (When an attack comes, you will have to be admitted, and after the swelling subsides, you will be discharged; this is how life will continue).

This stark reality prompted him to explore Ayurveda. His initial skepticism about alternative treatments (“आयुर्वेदिक क्या होगा क्या नहीं मतलब ये एलोपैथी में कुछ नहीं तो आयुर्वेदिक में कैसे कुछ होगा” – if there’s nothing in allopathy, what can Ayurveda do?) was gradually superseded by the imperative to find a lasting solution. He meticulously researched Ayurvedic options, scrutinizing Padaav’s testimonials and even its Wikipedia page to understand its treatment protocols and specific medicines.

Convinced by his research, Raj contacted Padaav. The center promptly provided him with contact details of former patients from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Their detailed positive accounts of recovery, including those who had healed after over 10 years of suffering, built his confidence. In December 2023, he made the decisive trip to Padaav.

Padaav’s Protocol: A Structured Path to Normalcy, Rooted in Ayurveda’s Pillars

Upon his arrival at Padaav, Raj’s initial consultation with Vaidya Shikha Prakash marked a turning point. He recounts feeling immediately at ease, as if he were with family rather than in a hospital. The staff’s cooperative and attentive approach, always ready to provide immediate solutions, further reinforced his sense of being in capable hands.

The 21-day in-house treatment program at Padaav was highly structured, fundamentally re-educating him on lifestyle and diet, aligning with the three core pillars of Ayurveda: Aahar (Diet), Vihar (Lifestyle), and Aushadh (Medicine).

• Aahar (Diet): Raj’s daily routine was meticulously planned with precise meal timings for breakfast (8 AM), morning snack (11 AM), lunch (1 PM), evening snack (4 PM), and dinner (by 7 PM). A significant revelation for Raj was realizing that he could consume a variety of foods, even previously restricted dairy products and his favorite South Indian dishes, within specified criteria. This provided immense psychological relief, as his greatest frustration had been the severe dietary limitations.
• Vihar (Lifestyle): His daily routine also included waking around 6 AM, drinking warm water, and walking. The structured environment at Padaav helped him to internalize these disciplined habits.
• Aushadh (Medicine): The third pillar, Ayurvedic medicine, played a crucial role. Raj received personalized formulations, which he emphasized as being central to his recovery. The precision in selecting and administering these natural medicines, based on detailed patient assessment, aimed to address the underlying imbalances contributing to his chronic condition. These medicines, unlike the temporary pain relief he previously experienced, worked to stabilize his system and restore his health.

Raj found the structured routine enjoyable and effective, internalizing the principles of disciplined living.

A Life Reclaimed: Sustained Progress and a New Perspective

One year after completing his Padaav treatment, Raj continues to adhere strictly to the prescribed lifestyle. This sustained commitment has yielded remarkable results: he reports no further attacks to date. The initial fear of lifelong illness has dissipated, replaced by a profound sense of having received “नया जीवन” (a new life). His weight has also shown positive progress, gaining 2 kg to reach 69.5 kg.

His journey highlights several critical elements of Padaav’s approach:

• Comprehensive Lifestyle Remodeling: The program extends beyond medication to inculcate deep-rooted dietary and routine changes, crucial for chronic conditions.
• Patient Education and Empowerment: Raj’s ability to take ownership of his condition was fostered by the detailed knowledge he gained at Padaav, surpassing his prior medical consultations.
• Psychological Reassurance: The supportive environment and the ability to enjoy food within a managed framework significantly improved his mental well-being, transforming his perception of life with pancreatitis.
• Long-term Efficacy: The sustained absence of attacks for over a year underscores the potential of this specialized Ayurvedic treatment to halt the progression of the disease.

Today, Raj Khanpura is a thriving entrepreneur, living a life he once believed impossible. He plays and engages in sports, including cricket. His story is a compelling testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of a meticulously applied, patient-centered Ayurvedic protocol in managing chronic pancreatitis. He asserts, with newfound confidence, that “पढ़ाव की ट्रीटमेंट सबसे अच्छी है आयुर्वेद में” (Padaav’s treatment is the best in Ayurveda).