For the previous few months, Baba had experienced periodic severe pain in his neck and in the left scapular region of his back. Consequently, on Saturday, 16 January 1965, Baba was driven to Booth Hospital with Goher and Eruch, where fresh X-rays were taken of his neck and spine. Adi went in advance, as usual. Dr. Southwell was present and examined the X-rays with Goher and the radiologist.
About the pain, Baba remarked to the mandali, "It is but the yoke of universal suffering around my neck."
On the 18th, Meherwan Jessawala arrived for his annual stay at Meherazad. Don met Dr. Southwell that day and discussed Baba's condition with him. Don then went to Meherazad and spoke with Goher. Long telephone calls to Nariman ensued, instructing him to convey Dr. Southwell's diagnosis to Dr. Ram Ginde. Meherjee was also contacted with the same information. They were told that Baba's pain was increasing, but since the recent X-rays were the same as those taken previously, it was difficult to determine the cause. Perhaps the collar was not fitting properly, as Baba said it was uncomfortable. Ginde was informed that, if traction was required, Baba would not remain in bed for 24 hours. Some sort of intermittent traction might be an alternative.
So early on Wednesday, 20 January, Padri brought Anand Shinde, the collar maker, to Meherazad. Don came also. Shinde made some adjustments to the collar, and was asked to return on Sunday.
On Sunday, 24 January 1965, Dr. Ginde, along with Nariman and Homa (driving Nariman's car), arrived from Bombay, to examine Baba,. Shinde arrived by bus and all went to Meherazad at 12:30 P.M. with Adi, Don and Padri. Ginde recommended that Baba use the foam rubber collar for two to three hours each morning, and again each evening. He also recommended that Baba avoid all undue movements of his neck, and when resting in bed, that Baba lie on his side and back, taking light and gentle massage with medicinal ointment. Ginde also prescribed some specific vitamins and other tablets. Dr. Ginde and the others left at 2:00 P.M. for Bombay, while Padri and Don stayed until 4:00 P.M. and then returned to Meherabad.
Padri and Don were not getting along, and Baba called them to Meherazad four days later, on Thursday, 28 January, to sort out their differences. He met with each of them individually and then together, and they returned happy and reconciled to Meherabad.