Nigerian actress Ufuoma McDermott recently shared the painful story of her kidney disease, revealing that it was caused by prolonged use of strong painkillers. McDermott, who has battled the condition for 12 years, spoke out to stress the importance of health awareness, using her own experience and that of her brother who was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease as cautionary examples.
The actress explained that her kidney issues were triggered by years of using powerful pain medication to manage migraines, headaches, and eye pain. Unaware of the potential long-term harm, McDermott took these medications frequently, prioritizing immediate relief over health implications. “I’d take strong painkillers for my migraine… I wanted the pain to go away,” she recalled.
Her brother’s diagnosis with advanced kidney disease made the situation even more alarming for McDermott and her family. “When my brother was diagnosed, I ran to my cardiologist,” she shared. “My parents were scared, wondering if this was genetic. We traced it back to drug abuse.”
McDermott described how her own diagnosis came earlier, allowing her to manage the condition with medication over the years. However, her brother’s later-stage diagnosis required immediate dialysis, along with complications that heightened her family’s concerns. “I really wish everyone would understand the importance of health,” she urged.
The actress hopes her story will serve as a reminder for others to prioritize their health and avoid excessive medication use, especially for pain relief, emphasizing that quick fixes can have severe consequences in the long run.
