Nollywood actress Ufoma McDermott has revealed that her ongoing battle with kidney disease was caused by years of excessive painkiller use, a condition she has been managing for over a decade.
In a candid interview with renowned media personality Chude Jideonwo, McDermott shared the personal health struggles that led to her kidney disease diagnosis. She opened up about how her long-term reliance on painkillers, taken to relieve chronic headaches and migraines, unknowingly caused severe damage to her kidneys.
Reflecting on her 12-year struggle with kidney disease, McDermott emphasized the importance of taking care of one’s health and not ignoring warning signs. “I really wish everyone would understand the importance of health,” she said. “My brother was diagnosed late, at stage 4 of kidney disease, and went straight into dialysis. He had serious complications.”
McDermott also revealed that her own diagnosis came earlier, giving her the opportunity to seek treatment before her condition became more severe. “When my brother was diagnosed, I ran to my cardiologist,” she recalled. “My parents were scared, wondering if this was genetic. We traced the cause of our kidney problems and discovered it was due to drug abuse.”
The actress shared that her kidney disease stemmed from the long-term use of painkillers, a habit she developed while dealing with constant migraines, headaches, and eye pain. “I grew up with migraines, headaches, and eyeaches, but I never wore glasses because they made me feel self-conscious,” McDermott explained. “I would take strong painkillers, not just ordinary ones, because I wanted the pain to go away fast.”
McDermott’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-medicating and the long-term effects that can arise from misuse of over-the-counter medications. As she continues to manage her kidney condition, she advises the public to prioritize their health and be mindful of the substances they put into their bodies.
