Nollywood actress Ufuoma McDermott has openly discussed her challenging 12-year journey with chronic kidney disease, an illness that she reveals has pushed her close to death several times.
In a candid interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, the 43-year-old actress shared her story of resilience and struggle. Initially diagnosed at stage three, her illness progressed to stage four, significantly impacting her life and posing serious health risks.
McDermott explained the toll her condition has taken on her body, her weight management struggle and how adding weight endangers her life.
“People do not understand when I say I cannot afford to put on weight; I do not want to die. I have little children. I had pushed my body, and it was borderline stage 4,” she stated.
She described last year as particularly difficult, with moments where she feared for her life. Recalling a harrowing conversation with her doctor, McDermott shared that despite her doctor’s advice to rest, she was determined to fulfil her commitments.
“I was negotiating with the doctor; she said, ‘I need you to go home and rest.’ But I was like, ‘What if I go home? I promise you I will sleep today, before I leave tomorrow,’” she recounted.
McDermott also revealed that her doctor adjusted her medications to help manage her blood pressure, but her determination to continue working pushed her to return to the set.
Watch the video below …