Nollywood actress Ufoma McDermott has opened up about her long struggle with kidney disease, revealing that it was linked to her prolonged use of painkillers. In a recent interview with the well-known media personality Chude Jideonwo, she shared her personal journey and offered valuable advice to the public about the importance of health.

During the interview, McDermott spoke candidly about her 12-year battle with kidney disease and emphasized the need for individuals to prioritize their well-being. She highlighted that her condition stemmed from the long-term abuse of painkillers, stating, “I really wish everyone would understand the importance of health. My brother was diagnosed late at stage 4 of kidney disease, which led him directly into dialysis and resulted in various complications.”

Reflecting on her own diagnosis, McDermott noted that she was fortunate to be diagnosed earlier in her journey, which has allowed her to manage her health through medication for nearly 12 years. She described the fear her family experienced, particularly when her brother fell ill. “When my brother was diagnosed, I ran to my cardiologist. My parents were scared, thinking, is this genetic? We had to investigate the root cause of the kidney disease, and we discovered it was related to drug abuse.”

McDermott also shared her personal history with pain, explaining how her struggles with migraines, headaches, and eyeaches led her to seek relief through medication. “I grew up with migraines and never wore my glasses because I felt they made me look like a geek. I relied on painkillers to alleviate my migraine symptoms. I opted for strong painkillers, not the regular ones, because I desperately wanted the pain to go away.”

Through her story, McDermott hopes to raise awareness about the potential dangers of painkiller abuse and encourage others to take their health seriously.