Ufuoma McDermott: “Pain killers caused me kidney disease”

In an emotional interview, Nollywood screen icon Ufuoma McDermott explained that she has had to endure a long and tortuous process of being treated for kidney ailments consequent upon using painkillers. She is an example of the hazards involved with taking medication by oneself without consulting a health expert.

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Personal Journey of Ufuoma McDermott

Ufuoma McDermott

Ufuoma’s experience with kidney disease started with her battle against chronic pain, migraines, and headaches. As she said,

“I have always experienced migraines, headaches, and eyeaches from childhood”

The need for comfort from her pain made her go for analgesic drugs, and especially those that could offer quick relief. She also said that although she could have used ordinary painkillers, she used strong ones because the pain had to be eradicated completely.

She came to depend on painkillers and had started carrying them around wherever she went.

“At one point, I had painkillers in my wallet. If you just ask, I’ll give you.”

She noticed this was actual abuse of drugs, taking medication in a very frequent manner, and this act had negative health impacts on her.

The Diagnosis

What hit Ufuoma McDermott more was the death of her younger brother to kidney disease, which compounded her health problems. This incident made her visit a doctor, and she was diagnosed with the same disease. The woman was initially diagnosed with Stage III kidney disease, but her disease progressed to Stage IV because of her delay in receiving proper treatment and the constant use of pain-relief medication. She then recalled:

“Last year was a very, very tough year in my life where I actually thought it was my last.”

Ufuoma also discovered throughout her medical experience that her kidney disease was not only due to her genetics since her family had a history of it. She affirmed;

“The first thing that we had to investigate was the origin of my chronic kidney disease, which was as a result of drug abuse”

This revelation paved the way into emphasizing the cause of health-related problems instead of pointing at genes as the major cause of most ailments.

Ufuoma’s story gives insight into the problem of painkiller addiction and the possible outcomes of this problem. Several people do not understand that their dependence on such drugs can result in severe health complications. This is due to the fact that the kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins from the body, and painkillers continuously taking a toll on these organs would harm them in the long run. In the long run, taking the substance in large quantities overloads the kidneys, which results in chronic kidney disease.

Ufuoma’s account shows why pain management should always be done carefully. ”I really wish everyone would understand the importance of health,” she urged, stating that one thing that could severely punish you is an improper attitude towards your health. Her case is a perfect example of what people with severe pain should beware of while taking painkillers.

During the interview, Ufuoma reeled out the vital factors to health and became an advocate for awareness. “I am now a free ambassador,” she said, further noting that she is among those given a new mission of carrying the message to those who are still struggling with painkiller issues behind bars. She now gives people hope that other methods can be used to deal with pain, such as changing their diet, drinking water, and consulting a doctor.

Ufuoma’s trial and tribulations are not merely for the purpose of showcasing a personal battle; they are for raising consciousness in society.

“I personally wish that everyone would appreciate it because once your health is an issue, you’ll come to realize that big dream you are dreaming about. The money for that dream, you will pay to the doctor, and you will pay gladly.”

Conclusion

Ufuoma McDermott

Ufuoma McDermott’s story is a good reminder about painkiller abuse and also about taking care of your health. The collection of her struggles and victories that she has experienced from being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease not only changed her life but prompted her to fight for others as well. She does this with the hope that as many people as possible will not have to go through what she has gone through.

Considering everything that happened to Ufuoma McDermott, we can conclude that health should always come first. People should avoid self-treatment of chronic pain and apply for specific consultation when they have such problems. Ufuoma’s message is clear: Health has a priority, and this is a lesson everyone should learn from.

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