Renowned Nollywood actress Ufuoma McDermott has publicly shared her ongoing battle with chronic kidney disease, a condition she has faced for over a decade. In an emotional interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Ufuoma revealed that she was diagnosed with stage three kidney disease, which later advanced to stage four.
The 43-year-old actress recounted her struggle with the diagnosis and the fear it instilled, particularly due to her hesitation to heed medical advice. Reflecting on her experience, she admitted that she feared for her life and felt responsible for pushing her body to the limit.
“My weight… people don’t understand when I say I can’t afford to put on weight; it’s because I don’t want to die. I have little children,” Ufuoma said, explaining the personal stakes of her health journey. “Last year was incredibly tough. I honestly thought I wouldn’t make it.”
Ufuoma also described a challenging moment when her doctor advised her to rest due to elevated blood pressure and critical health markers. Despite her reservations, she recalls negotiating with her doctor about taking a break from work, with her physician urging her to prioritize her health.
Despite the challenges, McDermott expressed determination to continue her acting career while managing her health.