A pain I couldn’t ignore:
It all started with what I thought was just abdominal pain. A little discomfort here and there—nothing serious, or so I believed. But life had other plans for me. Within hours, that pain turned into an emergency, a life-changing experience that tested every ounce of strength I had.I never imagined that a single night of pain would lead to months of struggle, countless procedures, and a battle where survival was not guaranteed. Today, I share my story—not just as a memory, but as a reminder of the fragile, precious nature of life and health.
Before: Life at 70 kg – Carefree and Unaware
Before pancreatitis hit me, I didn’t think much about health. Food was just food. I didn’t consider what I was putting into my body or the importance of a healthy digestive system. Why would I? Like most people, I believed health was something that just “worked” on its own.I was at a healthy 70kg, working, eating freely, living without restrictions. The word pancreatitis wasn’t even in my vocabulary. But on that night, when the pain struck like a thunderbolt, everything changed.
During: When Life Came to a Halt, at 42kg
That pain wasn’t ordinary—it was acute pancreatitis. What followed was a storm that lasted months.
Severe weight loss: From 70kg to as low as 42kg. I barely recognized myself in the mirror.
Multiple weeks in the hospital: No food, no water—only IV fluids. For weeks, I survived without eating a single grain of food.
Complications and surgeries: I had a laparoscopic surgery for gall bladder removal after 4 weeks of initial pancreatitis but my pancreas developed necrosis, leading to a next major surgery—pancreatic necrosectomy. Imagine parts of your body being removed because they’ve died inside you. That was my reality.
Drains, infections, and pain: Multiple drains were placed in my abdomen. For weeks, I had to go through drain washing sessions daily—first in the hospital, later at home.
Mental and physical collapse: There were weeks when I couldn’t stand for even a minute. I couldn’t sit without pain. I couldn’t even think about working or living normally. For almost four months, my diet was barely anything. Even when doctors cleared me to eat, my digestive system refused to cooperate. Every bite was a struggle. I had moments of doubt—would I ever recover? Would I ever eat normally again? Would I ever be able to walk without feeling like collapsing? Those were the questions I lived with every single day.
The Turning Point
Slowly, after the drains were removed—one after another—things began to change. When the last drain accidentally came out, I was terrified, but my surgeon reassured me: “This is okay. Maybe it’s time your body does the healing.”And it did. Slowly, I stood up without help. I walked for five minutes. I ate a small meal without pain. These little victories felt bigger than any achievement in my life. By June, I could finally eat a normal diet after four long months. By August, I returned to in-person work, something I couldn’t even dream of a few months earlier.
After: Life at 56kg – A New Beginning
Today, as I write this, I weigh around 56kg. My pancreas isn’t the same—it lost part of its exocrine function. I take oral enzymes to help me digest food, maybe for life. But compared to what I’ve been through, this is nothing. I look back at that fragile person in the hospital bed, barely able to speak, wondering if he’d survive—and I feel immense gratitude. I feel gratitude to Allah, to my family, to my doctors, and to the people who stood by me when I couldn’t stand for myself.
Lessons I Will Never Forget
This journey changed me. Completely. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Health is everything: Before this, I took health for granted. I ate carelessly, lived carelessly. Now I know—the body you live in is your biggest responsibility. Food isn’t just taste—it’s fuel, it’s medicine, it’s life.
- Family is Your True Strength: My father, my cousin, my mamu, and especially my wife—who was by my side every single moment—gave me hope when I had none. She cared for my smallest needs, even when I couldn’t lift my own head. This kind of love is priceless.
- A Good Doctor is a Blessing: I was blessed with a phenomenal team: Dr. Kashif, who performed my necrosectomy and carried out the whole treatment protocol, Dr. Muneeb, Dr Aqsa and under the guidance of Dr. Faisal Murad, the head of surgery. They treated me not just as a patient, but as a human being in pain. They listened, they explained, they cared.
- A Supportive Workplace Matters: Not once did my organization pressure me about work. They only asked, “How are you? How can we help?” When I was ready, they let me work from home. That kind of compassion is rare—and unforgettable.
Closing Thoughts
If you’ve read this far, here’s what I want to leave you with: Never take your health for granted. Cherish your family. Appreciate people who care. And never lose hope—even in your darkest days, recovery is possible.Today, I smile not because life is perfect, but because I know how close I came to losing it. And that makes every ordinary day feel extraordinary.
40 replies on “From Abdominal Pain to a Fight for Life: My Journey Through Necrotizing Pancreatitis and Recovery”
Amir Khan August 17, 2025 at 3:46 pm
Your story is truly inspiring Aftab bhai. Thanks for sharing and reminding us of this precious gift of health.
Rukhsana Batool August 17, 2025 at 4:54 pm
Your story amazed me honestly, You are very strong that you been through the hardest turning point of life and started life again with full courage. May allah always keep you in good health. Health should be everyone’s first priority and we should take food as a medicine otherwise we have to take medicine as a food.
Ambreen August 18, 2025 at 8:00 am
Stay Strong, stay blessed. Aftab Bhai, by the grace of ALLAH(s.w.t) you have always been the inspiring personality.
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:36 am
JazakAllah for the kind words and prayers!
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:29 am
Thank you so much for your beautiful words and duas! You’ve summed it up so well—health truly is our first priority, and I’ve learned that lesson deeply.
Usama Javed August 17, 2025 at 5:23 pm
Your story truly inspires me. The pain i feel that i suffered a lot. It is nothing in front of your story. But , Allah does not burden a soul that it can not bear! ❤️
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:30 am
You’re absolutely right—Allah never burdens a soul beyond what it can bear. Every challenge is a test, and your own struggles matter just as much as mine. May Allah give you strength, ease, and endless blessings always. Thank you for your kind words and heartfelt dua! ❤️
Rameen Nasir August 17, 2025 at 8:26 pm
Your story is so awe-inspiring. It takes immense courage to speak the pain. Thank you for giving us hope. May God be with you and with all of those who are combatting their battles.
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:33 am
Thank you so much for these kind words! If my story can give even a little hope to someone, then sharing it was worth it.
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:28 am
Thank you so much, Amir! Going through this made me realize how easily we take health for granted. I’m glad my story could be a reminder for all of us. Stay healthy and take care!
Muhammad Kashif August 17, 2025 at 4:42 pm
AoA! Sir During reading this story of your life , I bit emotional and my eyes full with tears, like removing part of the body and losing weight that is from 70kg to 42 is not a small deal, and then after treatment, Mashallah your health recovered, so it seems like a miracle , especially alwats say thanks to God and then the family members and the hospital team. I also observed that you never lost hope and it gives us an idea, to struggle and fight untill we win . May you live long sir and wish you a healthy and prosperous life.
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:28 am
Wa Alaikum Assalam! Your words truly touched me. Alhamdulillah, it was indeed a miracle and a blessing from Allah. I could never have made it without His mercy, my family’s support, and the amazing doctors. Yes, never losing hope was the key. Thank you so much for your kind prayers—means a lot to me!
Shadab Anwar August 17, 2025 at 5:15 pm
Aslam o Alaikum sir, it was such a painful time. You are a real hero and I read about your painful journey.,You faced lots of troubles and it was difficult, but you never lost hope. You fought with your difficult time like a strong man.
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:29 am
Wa Alaikum Assalam! Thank you so much for your kind words. It truly was a difficult time, but Allah’s mercy and the support of amazing people around me gave me strength. Your message means a lot!
Sawaira Alam August 17, 2025 at 5:17 pm
What an inspiring and powerful journey! Your story beautifully shows the strength of faith, gratitude, and resilience.I can truly understand your feelings because I have also gone through a health challenge, and your words deeply resonate with me.The way you turned such a difficult experience into life-long lessons is truly admirable.It’s a reminder to all of us to value our health, treasure our loved ones, and appreciate the kindness of those around us. Thank you Sir for sharing this—it will surely give hope and encouragement to anyone going through tough times.
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:30 am
Thank you so much for sharing this and for your heartfelt words! Knowing that you’ve also faced a health challenge makes your message even more meaningful to me. These experiences truly teach us the value of health, family, and gratitude.
Sarfaraz ahmed Junejo August 17, 2025 at 5:50 pm
It’s truly inspiring sir! It’s very difficult to face such phases of life but you faced it bravely. Now my Allah give you the best of the health and you live long to shining forever.
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:31 am
Thank you so much for your beautiful prayers and kind words! Indeed, such phases are never easy, but with faith and support, everything becomes possible. May Allah bless you with the best of health and happiness as well!
Rimsha August 17, 2025 at 5:52 pm
Sir, You are so brave and inspiring. May Allah grant you peace and tranquility with complete health.(Ameen)
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:31 am
Ameen, thank you so much for your kind words and beautiful dua! Your prayers mean a lot to me.
Syeda Nabiha Ali August 17, 2025 at 6:01 pm
This is not just a story but an inspiration for me and many others. Hats off to your resilience, May Allah always bless you with health and prosperity.
Anwaar August 18, 2025 at 12:06 am
May you blessed with good health I am really sorry, I got shocked when see your photos, sounds great that you are better now and healing up get well soon, happy & blessed IA ❣️
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:34 am
Alhamdulillah things are much better now. Your prayers mean a lot!
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:31 am
Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot to me.
Faira Hasanat August 17, 2025 at 7:15 pm
Glad to hear you are doing better now Dear Sir. Your story is such a reminder of how valuable health really is…we usually take it for granted until it’s tested. Wishing you lots of strength and good health ahead.
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:32 am
You are absolutely right—we often realize the true value of health only when it’s tested.
Warda Ali August 17, 2025 at 7:59 pm
You are truly a brave person Sir! Its a relief to know you are recovering. May Allah bless you with long life and good health. Ameen
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:33 am
Ameen, thank you so much for your kind words and duas! Your support and prayers mean a lot.
Rimsha Tahreem August 18, 2025 at 6:07 am
It’s good to hear that you’re feeling better now and can eat . I can understand this as my brother also suffering and definitely with you your family also suffer and they have to hide and take care of you.
It’s good for you and your family as well that you’re better.
You’re brave and InshAllah you’ll fully recover soon with good health and strength.
May Allah pak bless you with speedy recovery and strength.
Ameen
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:34 am
May Allah grant your brother complete shifa and give strength to your family as well. Ameen.
Muhammad Kashif Khan August 18, 2025 at 6:08 am
Alhamdolillah, Allah pak ne bara karam kia.
Your recovery is a true story of faith in Allah, hope and trusting your doctor.
It a matter of great honour for us that you are doing well in life.
Dr. Muhammad Kashif Khan
Consultant General Laparoscopic and Cancer Surgeon
Maroof International Hospital F-10 Markaz Islamabad
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:26 am
Alhamdulillah, Dr. Kashif, you have been a cornerstone of this entire journey. Your expertise, patience, and compassionate care gave me and my family the confidence to keep going even in the darkest moments. I can never thank you enough for everything you and your team did for me. JazakAllah khair for being such an incredible surgeon and human being.
Siraj ud din Balghari August 18, 2025 at 6:11 am
Welcome back, sir! So glad to see you’re fully recovered. Your strength and dedication inspire us all. Wishing you continued good health.
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:36 am
Thank you so much! Alhamdulillah, it feels great to be back and healthy. Truly grateful for all the support and prayers!
Sadaf Mohammad August 18, 2025 at 11:38 am
After reading all this, somehow I am speechless, because I had no idea that all you were going through was this much severe, and now I think about my msgs of asking you about your health without knowing the whole story. More power to you Sir, you were always an inspiration but today after reading this I am truly inspired by your strengh and by how positively you have reflected upon all this. Allah apko sehat aur lambi zindagi de. And thank you for the reminder as my gut health is not in a very good state and take it very light.
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:27 am
Thank you so much for your kind words and duas! Honestly, most people didn’t know the full extent of what was happening, and that’s okay—it was a tough phase, but Alhamdulillah, it’s behind me now. I really appreciate your concern throughout. And yes, please take your gut health seriously—it’s something I learned the hard way. Wishing you good health and happiness always!
Areeba Fatima August 18, 2025 at 12:26 pm
You story truly amazed me!!
Good to hear you’re doing good now. You’re so strong and may Allah give you more strength and good health.
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:36 am
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers!
Iman Fatima August 18, 2025 at 2:56 pm
May Allah protect you from evil eyes ameeen. This is not just pain, it is a torment that shakes the soul, a trial of patience where every breath feels like a battle.
Aftab Saqib August 19, 2025 at 6:37 am
Ameen, thank you so much for such heartfelt words.