Imagine living with constant, debilitating pain, watching your health deteriorate, and feeling an emotional toll that leaves you withdrawn and hopeless. This was the reality for Vimlesh Sonkar, a 39-year-old housewife from Faizullahgang, Lucknow. Her story is a testament to resilience, the profound impact of dedicated care, and the power of a comprehensive approach in managing the challenges of chronic pancreatitis.

The Onset and Struggle with Chronic Pancreatitis

Vimlesh’s struggle with pancreatitis began in 2022. Her first attack, characterized by severe abdominal pain, back pain, and vomiting, occurred on January 21, 2022. Despite being admitted to a medical college and receiving treatment, the pain would subside only to return intermittently. A second severe attack followed on March 19, 2022, leading to further hospitalization at King Georges Medical University, Lucknow. Subsequent tests, including a CT scan, eventually led to a diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis. This news was particularly challenging, as doctors at the medical college indicated there was no further cure and suggested only pain relievers and multivitamins.

Beyond the physical agony, the illness profoundly impacted Vimlesh’s mental well-being. She had been battling severe depression since 2016. This condition seemed to worsen with the onset of pancreatitis. She often felt sad and withdrawn, experiencing symptoms like body pain, swelling in her hands and feet, severe headaches, and irritability. Her husband noted that her voice was rarely heard, and she seemed entirely lost. The emotional toll on Vimlesh and her family was immense, creating a tense home environment. Her weight also increased significantly, reaching 72 kg, and she experienced constant fatigue. Daily tasks became arduous, and even standing in the kitchen for a short time was exhausting.

Her eating habits before the diagnosis were irregular; she would drink tea upon waking, eat lunch around 12 PM (normal food), and then dinner at 8 PM (normal food), often skipping breakfast and having long gaps between meals. She also consumed non-vegetarian food once a week. No one had guided her on consistent dietary changes, and despite advice to eat simple food for a few days, she would revert to her old habits.

A Glimmer of Hope: Discovering Ayurveda and Padaav

Feeling that conventional medicine offered no further solutions – “एलोपैथ में ऑप्शन ही नहीं था” (there was no option in allopathy) – Vimlesh’s husband, Pankaj Sonkar, began searching for alternative treatments. Although he initially held a somewhat traditional perception of Ayurveda – picturing “एक बंदा धोती कुर्ता पहने हुए हैं और पगड़ी बांधे हुए हैं। एक वट ब्रिज के नीचे बैठा हुआ है चबूरे पर चार लोग वो पीस रहे हैं। कुछ काढ़ा देंगे आपको।” (a person wearing a dhoti and turban, sitting under a banyan tree, with four people grinding something to make a concoction) – he found Padaav Speciality Ayurvedic Treatment Center online. His research into the founder’s background and scientific approach convinced him this was a credible option, unlike many others “जो फर्जी दुकान खोल के बैठे हैं” (who have opened fake shops).

When they arrived at Padaav in March 2024, they were surprised by the modern and professional environment, which felt more like a “hotel” than a traditional ashram. This experience immediately challenged their preconceptions about Ayurvedic treatment.

The Journey to Improved Health: Treatment and Transformation at Padaav

At Padaav, the treatment focused on a comprehensive approach that combined personalized medication with a rigorous dietary regimen. Vimlesh began a treatment plan tailored to her condition.

A critical component of the treatment was a structured diet plan, meticulously monitored by Vimlesh’s husband. He would call her three to four times daily from his office to ensure she adhered to the dietary guidelines. This consistent follow-up, coupled with the prescribed medication, gradually brought about significant improvements.

Vimlesh’s physical health began to transform. Her weight, which was 72 kg, decreased to 64 kg by August 2024, 61 kg by October 2024, and reached 54 kg with a BMI of 23 kg/m² by March 2025. The severe fatigue that had plagued her disappeared. She no longer experienced body pain, headaches, or swelling, and even climbing stairs became effortless. Her physical activity levels increased, and she felt as light as “हवा के तरीके से उड़ रही है” (flying like air), a noticeable change remarked upon by her family and neighbors.

Crucially, her mental health also saw remarkable improvement. The dosage of her depression medication, Clonazepam 0.5mg, was gradually reduced. From taking it daily, she progressed to taking half a tablet every four days, indicating a significant decrease in drug dependency. The quiet, withdrawn Vimlesh who could barely speak and was “बिल्कुल गुमसुम थी” (completely silent) transformed into someone joyful and engaging, her voice now heard clearly.

The systematic changes extended to her entire household. Her family, initially hesitant, gradually adopted the healthier dietary practices introduced by Padaav, leading to improved well-being for everyone. Even her husband reported feeling lighter and better after adopting the new dietary habits.

Stopping the Progression: A Significant Achievement

One of the most significant outcomes of Vimlesh’s treatment at Padaav was the dramatic change in her medical reports. While her previous CT scans showed chronic pancreatitis, her latest scan indicated that the condition was no longer visible, coming back as “एकदम नॉर्मल” (completely normal). This remarkable achievement highlights the potential of dedicated Ayurvedic treatment in stopping the progression of chronic pancreatitis. While the progress was gradual, with mild pain occurring occasionally in the initial months, consistent adherence to the treatment plan led to no pain for several months.

Vimlesh’s journey underscores several vital aspects of managing chronic conditions:

• Comprehensive Approach: Padaav’s focus on diet, lifestyle, and personalized medication addressed both the physical symptoms and underlying causes.
• Patient and Attendant Dedication: The consistent efforts of both Vimlesh and her husband, especially in adhering to the diet and follow-up regimen, were crucial to her success.
• Continuous Support: The responsive and supportive team at Padaav, always available for guidance, played a significant role in her journey toward better health.

A New Beginning: Hope for Others

Today, Vimlesh is a completely transformed individual. She is healthy, happy, and full of energy, a stark contrast to the weary and depressed patient she once was. As her family says, she’s like a “brand new” version of herself. Her story offers immense hope to those suffering from pancreatitis and other chronic illnesses. It demonstrates that with the right approach, dedicated care, and unwavering commitment, managing and stopping the progression of such conditions is possible, leading to a significantly improved quality of life. Maintaining these positive lifestyle changes will be key to her continued well-being.

If you or a loved one are struggling with chronic pancreatitis, Vimlesh’s experience at Padaav may provide valuable insight into treatment options that could help manage the condition and stop its progression, offering a new lease on life.