Ufuoma McDermott, a popular Nigerian actress, has openly discussed her 12-year battle with renal disease and how it affected her life.
In an interview with a media personality, Chude Jideonwo, a mother of two, stated that her battle with the sickness began years ago, shortly after losing her younger brother to chronic renal disease.
Ufuoma was initially diagnosed with stage 3 renal disease in 2023, but she just found that her condition has worsened to stage 4, the ultimate stage.
Chude Jideonwo posted a brief video on Instagram in which Ufuoma recounted her health journey, her determination to survive for her children, and the impact her condition has had on her everyday life.
She revealed that, despite her doctor’s instructions to rest, she kept working until her health forced her to halt, rendering her immobilized for six months.
Ufuoma further stated that she cannot afford to gain weight because of her medical condition.
The actress, who had kept her personal life private during her struggle, has spoken up about the physical and emotional difficulties she has encountered.
Chude shared, “First, she lost her younger brother to chronic kidney disease
“Then last year, Ufuoma McDermott was also diagnosed with Stage 3 kidney disease – after battling with it for 12 years.
“She was told to slow down at work and rest. But she thought she had more time and negotiated with her doctors. That delay turned out to be costly.
“She was shortly diagnosed of Stage 4 kidney disease.
“Stage 4, that’s the final stage.
“And she says it was a result of drug abuse – ingesting too many painkillers.
“Thus began a battle for her life, where there was zero room for error. For 6 months, she couldn’t move. She couldn’t work. She couldn’t add weight. She actually thought the end had come.
“In this exclusive interview, the actor and producer shares how she found her way back from Stage 4 kidney disease, how it changed how she lived her life, how she managed her public career while dealing with this in private, and why this life-changing experience has transformed the way she lives her life today.
“Also for the first time, she confirms that over the past few years she has lived with her family abroad while acting and producing in Nigeria – and how a very private life has served her very well.
“This was one hell of a conversation.