Popular Nigerian actress, Ufuoma McDermott has spoken openly about her 12-year struggle with kidney disease and how it changed her life.

In an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, the mother of two revealed that her battle with the condition began years ago, not long after losing her younger brother to chronic kidney disease.

Initially diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease in 2023, Ufuoma recently learned that her illness has progressed to stage 4, the final stage.

In a short video shared by Chude Jideonwo on Instagram, Ufuoma discussed her health journey, her determination to live for her children, and the toll her condition has taken on her daily life.

She shared that, despite her doctor’s advice to rest, she continued working until her health forced her to stop—leaving her immobile for six months.

Ufuoma also shared that she cannot afford to add weight due to her health condition.

The actress, who had maintained privacy during her struggle, opened up about the physical and emotional challenges she’s faced along the way.

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. (Nigerian Tribune)