In June 2016, when Shivakumara Swami (then 109) had to undergo an endoscopy, doctors at BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals in Bengaluru found it challenging to conduct the procedure as it had to be done with him in a sitting position.
The seer’s advanced age, coupled with his hunchback, made it a challenge as endoscopy is usually done in a supine position. Also, it was the first time a stent was implanted via endoscopy in a 109-year-old. But he withstood the surgery.
From then on, the seer continued to surprise doctors every time he was in and out of the hospital. “He always refused to be wheeled into the hospital. He walked in and out every time, without any help,” said Ravindra B.S., chief medical gastroenterologist, BGS Gleneagles.
In December last year, when the seer was shifted to the Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre in Chennai as doctors felt a liver bypass surgery was the only option, doctors had expected he would have to be put on ventilation. But he bounced back again.
“His disciplined life and determination, coupled with the fact that he did not have any comorbidities, worked in his favour. Despite his age, he did not have diabetes or hypertension,” said Dr. Mohamed Rela, who performed the liver bypass surgery.
Mutt insiders attribute his good health and longevity to his disciplined lifestyle, which included light food intake and regular exercise. Mrutyunjaya Swami, who took care of the seer for the past 30 years, said Shivakumara Swami ate light, especially after turning 85. He used to drink ‘ kashaya ’, a decoction made from the bark of neem, in the morning and practice yoga for 30 minutes. However, in the last 20 years he had to stop the latter activity.
