In a heartfelt conversation with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Nollywood actress Ufuoma McDermott opened up about her intense 12-year journey with chronic kidney disease.

She revealed that her condition was diagnosed at stage three and eventually progressed to stage four, a transformation that brought immense challenges not only to her health but also to her family life.

Speaking on the toll the illness has taken, Ufuoma explained her fears around weight gain, describing how it directly affects her fragile health. “People don’t realize it when I say I can’t afford to put on weight,” she said.

“It’s not just vanity—I don’t want to die. I have young children who need me.” The actress shared that despite her doctors urging her to rest, she often pushed her body beyond its limits to keep up with her career. “Last year, there were moments I thought I wasn’t going to make it,” she admitted, reflecting on one of her most vulnerable times.

Ufuoma also discussed the root of her illness, candidly pointing to years of overusing painkillers, which she termed as “drug abuse.” The repercussions were severe; she spent six months bedridden, unable to work or regain her former strength, and often feared that she was facing the end of her life.

Looking back, she stressed the importance of listening to medical advice and prioritizing health, especially for those with demanding public lives.

“We can’t take our health for granted,” she remarked, highlighting how her experience underscored resilience and the delicate balance between personal ambition and self-care.

Stage 4 kidney disease, also called “severe chronic kidney disease,” means that the kidneys are functioning at just 15–29% of their normal capacity.

At this stage, the kidneys are significantly impaired, unable to effectively filter waste and regulate essential functions such as blood pressure, fluid levels, and red blood cell production.

This level of damage can result in severe health complications, including high blood pressure, anemia, bone disease, and electrolyte imbalances.

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