Dylan Thomas, 29, thought he had a simple stomach ache when he awoke in pain one morning, but doctors at King’s Mill Hospital in Nottingham found he had developed severe acute pancreatitis and had to be put in a coma
A distraught family has issued a warning after a young father passed away from something that presented as a stomach ache.
Dylan Wakefield, 29, awoke with a “relentless searing pain” in the upper left side of his stomach and knew something was not right. His symptoms continued to worsen, so the dad-of-three drove himself to the hospital, where medics suspected he had developed gastritis – inflammation of the stomach. However, doctors later diagnosed him with severe acute pancreatitis.
Just three days later, doctors put him into a coma after his blood pressure plummeted. Two days later, Dylan – who worked as a pub landlord – awoke again and posted a message on social media telling pals it had been the “darkest chapter” of his life but that he would not be “giving up”.
However, three weeks later he had to be put in a coma again and he tragically passed away on May 28.
While the cause of the pancreatitis hasn’t yet been confirmed, his brother Nathan Lamb, 31, said it was likely due to his alcohol intake, warning people that it can have a devastating effect even at such a young age.
He said: “Dylan liked a drink but he was only 29 – issues like this you would think only start later in life. He has his whole future ahead of him – it is so unfair.”
Nathan said: “The whole ordeal has been a massive shock – we didn’t think he would die from this. He was so young – it is so unfair.
“He was such a lovely brother to all of his nine siblings – all he wanted was for people to be happy and enjoying themselves at all times. He loved his family – we are all devastated that this has happened.”
Dylan was staying with his sister Caitlin Lamb, 27, when he woke with stomach ache on April 24 earlier this year. As the pain grew stronger Dylan decided to drive himself to King’s Mill Hospital, in Nottingham, as he was “barely holding” himself together.
He was initially treated for gastritis until a couple of hours later he was diagnosed with acute severe necrotising pancreatitis. The condition is the result of a significant portion of the pancreatic tissue dying due to inflammation and impaired blood supply.
Once he arrived the dad was admitted into their care – but only three days later he was placed into an induced coma after his blood pressure dropped.
Nathan said: “The doctors told us it was to let his body rest. They attached him to several machines and told us they would be taking over to let Dylan’s body focus on getting stronger.”
To the family’s delight Dylan awoke two days later on April 29. Nathan recalled his still being “very poorly” but his condition began to stabilse a little. During this time Dylan posted a heartbreaking Facebook message telling friends and family he is awake on May 9.
The message read: “What started as feeling unwell quickly became unbearable — a searing, relentless pain in my stomach that I knew wasn’t normal. Paramedics told me I was okay, but something inside me said otherwise. I drove myself to the hospital, barely holding it together.” Hours later, I was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis.
“My body began to shut down. The pain intensified. Things went from bad to life-threatening. I was put into a coma, and for days, my family watched helplessly, not knowing if I would ever wake up again. They prayed. I fought. On April 29th, I opened my eyes – but the fight is far from over.
“I’m still in the hospital. I’m still in pain. I can’t walk. I can’t eat. I’m facing a lifelong condition that has torn through my life in a matter of days. This has been the darkest chapter I’ve ever known — terrifying, humbling, and utterly heartbreaking. Thank you to everyone who’s sent love, prayers, or even a thought my way. I’m still here and I’m not giving up.”
From the message he received over 70 messages of support from his family and friends. But only three weeks later Dylan’s health began to decline and he was placed into a second coma on May 25.
He later passed on May 28 – just over a month since he was admitted – leaving behind his three children. Nathan said the cause of the pancreatitis hasn’t been confirmed – but he believes it was due to alcohol intake.
He said: “Dylan liked a drink but he was only 29 – issues like this you would think only start later in life. He has his whole future ahead of him – it is so unfair.”
Nathan has also said he was told by doctors there is “no known treatment” for the disease – they could only manage the side effects of the condition as well as Dylan’s pain.
Following Dylan’s “shock” his friends have set up a crowdfund to help expense his funeral.
Nathan said: “His mum, Penelope, and his Grandma, Carol, miss him deeply. He has eight siblings and they all miss him. We were a very close family and they all meant the world to him. We had a typical brother relationship, but he was a very forgiving person and very loyal as well. He wanted everyone around him to be happy. He was energetic – he loved singing and karaoke, and he was the life and soul of the room.”
Those who wish to donate can do so here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/our-boy-dylan-thomas.