Drug Abuse Caused My Kidney Disease – Actress Ufuoma McDermott

Nollywood actress Ufuoma McDermott has bravely opened up about her ongoing battle with kidney disease, revealing that it was caused by years of unknowingly abusing painkillers. In an emotional interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Ufuoma shared her personal journey of living with the disease and how it has impacted her life and her family.

For nearly 12 years, Ufuoma has been managing her kidney disease with medication. Reflecting on her condition, she stressed the importance of prioritizing one’s health. She explained, “I really wish everyone would understand how important health is. My brother was diagnosed late at stage four and had to go straight into dialysis with complications. I was diagnosed much earlier, so I’ve been living on medication for almost 12 years now.”

The Impact of Drug Abuse on Her Health

During the emotional interview, Ufuoma revealed that her kidney disease is linked to long-term painkiller abuse. She shared that, growing up, she frequently experienced migraines, headaches, and eyeaches, and would take strong painkillers to alleviate the pain. Over time, this misuse of medication took a toll on her kidneys, leading to her diagnosis.

“I’d always grown up with migraines, headaches, and eyeaches, and I never wore my glasses because they made me look like a geek. I wouldn’t wear them and then I’d take painkillers for my migraine. I never took ordinary painkillers, I took strong painkillers because I wanted the pain to go away,” she explained.

Ufuoma also clarified that her kidney disease is not genetic, as she initially feared. After consulting her doctor, she learned that the cause was rooted in her years of painkiller abuse. She also recalled the struggles her late brother faced with kidney disease, which developed at an advanced stage, leading to dialysis and complications.

A Call for Better Health Awareness

Ufuoma’s story serves as a powerful reminder about the dangers of self-medication and the importance of early diagnosis. She urged people to be more mindful of their health, especially when it comes to the long-term effects of misusing medication. Her message acts as a wake-up call for individuals to be more cautious with their health and seek professional medical advice when necessary.

Through her own experience, Ufuoma hopes to inspire others to take proactive steps toward maintaining their health, emphasizing the value of regular check-ups and early intervention in managing chronic conditions.

Her story not only highlights the risks of drug abuse but also underscores the need to educate people on its long-term impact on health. Ufuoma’s resilience and openness about her condition continue to inspire, encouraging others to take better care of their bodies.

As she continues her health journey, Ufuoma McDermott remains a vocal advocate for health awareness, aiming to foster a broader conversation about the risks of drug abuse and the importance of proper healthcare management.