Pancreatitis strikes another DJ
Author: Jonty Skrufff
Friday, November 24, 2006
London house/progressive DJ Paulo Mojo chatted to Skrufff this week about recently contracting acute pancreatitis and revealed that doctors remain unsure about how he developed the rare but life-threatening stomach condition.
“The doctors told me gallstones and alcohol abuse account for over 70% of cases of acute pancreatitis though I’ve had several scans which indicate I don’t have gallstones,” said Paolo.
“And whether it’s the lifestyle, they’re not sure either. In terms of partying, I’ve really calmed down a lot over the last few years, I quit smoking and I’ve never been a heavy drinker, so they couldn’t really pin it down to that either. Although it’s fair to say that when I described a typical week to them it doesn’t necessarily fall into what they consider a normal healthy lifestyle,” he added.
The extremely painful condition affects just one in 100,000 people in the UK each year and sufferers need to moderate or quit alcohol and avoid spicy food, with relapse and the possibility of developing the much more serious condition chronic pancreatitis a real possibility. Since falling ill, Paulo’s been forced to cancel a number of gigs including a tour of South America and admitted he’s already been forced to re-evaluate his lifestyle.
“It’s a sobering experience spending time in a hospital, and being unwell for an extended period of time, with constant visits to doctors and for tests, which is still going on now. Having to think about everything you eat and to avoid alcohol in its entirety and becoming aware of every little twinge in your body is not something I’d experienced before either,” the 20-something spinner explained.
“Although I’m still in pain and I’ve not recovered as quickly as I would have liked to the doctors have emphasised to me that I’m doing well and pancreatitis is not something to be taken lightly, it’s a really serious condition that can kill. So I’ve got to look after myself basically. That means no alcohol for quite a while, a restricted diet and plenty of rest and water. It sounds boring but better that than the alternative.”
“I’ve realised too that even if you’re an absolute saint, travelling and gigging all over the world takes its toll on the body and mind,” Paolo added.
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