A mother of three from the United Kingdom initially believed she was suffering from Long Covid, only to receive a shocking diagnosis of a necrotising disease that led to her being placed in a coma. Sam Lewis, 38, embarked on a challenging health journey in 2021 when she began experiencing chest pains while attending to her children before school. Seeking medical advice, she was informed that the discomfort stemmed from a benign inflammation in the cartilage of her chest. However, the pain resurfaced in March 2022, prompting her to visit the doctor once again. Despite attributing her symptoms to Long Covid initially, medical professionals later discovered a gallstone in her bile duct, which subsequently led to a severe case of pancreatitis.
The situation quickly escalated as Lewis transitioned from acute pancreatitis to necrotising pancreatitis within a short span of time. Necrotising pancreatitis involves the death of a portion of the pancreas and is considered a serious complication, occurring in approximately 20% of pancreatitis cases. The illness caused Lewis to experience significant swelling, likened to looking eight months pregnant, and restricted her mobility. The rapid progression of the disease necessitated intensive medical care, with Lewis recounting how she was perilously close to death at one point. Her condition deteriorated further as she developed sepsis, a potentially fatal infection, during her hospitalization. Consequently, she was placed in a medically induced coma to facilitate the removal of the necrotic tissue, including half of her pancreas.
Lewis spent an arduous six months in the hospital, during which she underwent life-saving surgery and had to relearn basic mobility skills such as walking. Despite her resilience, she was left with chronic pancreatitis, which now requires stringent dietary management. The once vibrant performer laments the limitations imposed by her condition, expressing how she now refrains from social outings and must adhere to a strict diet devoid of indulgences like crisps, chocolate, fish and chips, fast food, or bakery treats.
Reflecting on the profound impact of pancreatitis on her life, Lewis acknowledges that the condition is relentless and demands unwavering vigilance. She shares how the illness has reshaped her daily routines and restricted her once-active lifestyle, emphasizing the enduring consequences of her health ordeal. Lewis’ experience serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of illness and the resilience required to navigate life-altering health challenges.
