In a recent discussion with media figure Chude Jideonwo, she emphasized the importance of prioritizing health, drawing from her own experiences.
McDermott, who has been living with kidney disease for more than ten years, noted that her health issues originated from her reliance on potent painkillers to manage chronic migraines and headaches.
“I grew up with migraines, headaches, and eyeaches,” she recounted. “I never wore my glasses because they made me look like a geek. I’d take strong painkillers to make the pain go away.”
Over the years, this regular consumption of medication adversely affected her kidneys, resulting in a long-term condition.
Additionally, the actress mentioned that her family faced further challenges when her brother was diagnosed with advanced kidney disease, necessitating urgent dialysis treatment.
This situation prompted her to investigate possible genetic factors. However, medical professionals determined that the kidney problems in both siblings were linked to their shared history of prolonged painkiller use rather than genetic predisposition.
"I really wish everyone would understand the importance of health,” she advised, underscoring the need for public awareness on responsible medication use and regular health check-ups.