Ugandan Musician Jose Chameleone has been battling pancreatitis, a condition that has seen him get hospitalised on multiple occasions.
He admits that he is doing much better after his latest discharge from hospital, but has to visit Agha Khan for checkups as he continues with his healing journey.
He added that several factors contributed to his ailment including not taking a rest, and now that he is aware, he advises his fellow artists to take a break oftenly.
“What I have learnt from this is sometimes you need to slow down. You just not be commanded by the demands. Personally I have never had a holiday for the past 25 years. I have never had a free Christmas, a free Easter. I have never had a free public holiday because I am always on high demand chasing the bills but now that I have been through this, I advise my fellow artists , take time to rest, don’t rush. Don’t lose yourself,” he said.
Chameleone said that because of not taking time to rest, he lost 13Kgs from 58Kgs in 2024. Taking time off was he best treatment he got.
“All I had to do is eat, rest, medicate. For my fellow artists, don’t just chase the bill and forget yourself,” he said.
Aside from that, the artist noted that he used to drink and smoke hence his condition, but that is now behind him after self reflection.
“There things that I have not done right with my health. I have been flipping some bottles, enjoying myself. I have been a smoker all my life,” he said.
He revealed that he is a God-fearing person.
” This is the second round, God has given me episodes. There has been the first round in the past. Now we are starting the second round. And just remember am just 3 years aways to 50. So I have to slow down,” he said.
What is Pancreatitis?
This is the inflammation of the Pancreas leading to swelling, pain, and changes in how the organ and tissue works. Pancreas is tucked behind the stomach and helps in digestion and regulation of blood sugars.
Causes include gallstones, excessive use of alcohol,Certain medicines, High triglyceride levels in the blood, High calcium levels in the blood, Pancreas cancer and Injuries from trauma or surgery.
Symptoms include; abdominal pain, nausea, fever, upset stomach, rapid pulse, pain in the upper belly that radiates to the back.
tenderness when touching the belly, losing weight without trying, oily, smelly stools and vomiting.
