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The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Mikayla Matthews shared her diagnosis with chronic inflammatory response syndrome amid an “all consuming” health battle.
Mormon Wives’ Mikayla Matthews Reveals Decision Behind Season 5 Production Pause
Mikayla Matthews is giving new insight into her health battle.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star shared for the first time her diagnosis with chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), detailing her experience parenting—she welcomed her and estranged husband Jace Terry’s fourth baby Lottie June in July—amid a yearslong struggle with the chronic illness.
“I'm genuinely just barely surviving,” Mikayla wrote on her Instagram Stories March 18. “Chronic illness is all consuming and I haven't been able to show up as the mom I want to be for the last couple years. I just want to feel like myself again.”
The 26-year-old also opened up about the root of her illness, explaining how it is “brought on [by] prolonged exposures to toxins,” like mold.
“This condition has stolen literally everything from me,” she continued on her Stories. “I had like a year and half where I couldn't look people in the eyes. I felt like if I didn't look them in the eyes then they couldn't see my skin. It's something l'm still working on.”
Despite Mikayla sharing that CIRS has “ruined everything” in her body—including her nerves, skin, brain, liver and hormones—she sees her experience as an opportunity to inspire others.
“I have said no to SO MANY fun events, premiers and opportunities because of my skin,” she added, “but I show up when I can because I want you guys that are in similar situations to feel seen and know that life doesn't have to stop when s--tty things are happening to you.”
Stewart Cook/Shutterstock
As for the recommendations the MomToker—also mom to kids Beckham, 8, Haven, 6, and Tommie, 4, with Jace—would share with fellow mothers?
“There's no one piece of advice that will apply to anyone, EXCEPT take time for yourself,” she explained. “Don’t forget your hobbies or what you like to do for YOU."
Mikayla concluded with an inspiring message, adding, “Moms are truly my hero. You're doing amazing and your children are so lucky to have a mom like you.”
For a closer look at the cast of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, keep reading…
Disney/Pamela Littky
Mayci Neeley
TikTok: 2.8 Million Followers
Instagram: 1.5 Million Followers
Mayci Neeley is married to Jacob Neeley with a blended family of three kids.
Disney/Pamela Littky
Taylor Frankie Paul
TikTok: 6.1 Million Followers
Instagram: 2.4 Million Followers
Taylor Frakie Paul shares two kids with her ex-husband and welcomed her third child with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
Disney/Pamela Littky
Whitney Leavitt
TikTok: 3.5 Million Followers
Instagram: 1.6 Million Followers
Whitney Leavitt has three kids with her husband Conner Leavitt.
Disney/Pamela Littky
Layla Taylor
TikTok: 1.1 Million Followers
Instagram: 1 Million Followers
Layla Taylor is mom to two kids, who she shares with her ex-husband.
Disney/Pamela Littky
Demi Engemann
TikTok: 1.2 Million Followers
Instagram: 740K Followers
Demi Engemann and husband Bret Engemann have a blended family with three kids.
Disney/Pamela Littky
Jessi Draper Ngatikaura
TikTok: 1.8 Million Followers
Instagram: 1.6 Million Followers
Jessi Ngatikaura shares a daughter, son and stepdaughter with her husband Jordan Ngatikaura.
Disney/Pamela Littky
Jen Affleck
TikTok: 2.7 Million Followers
Instagram: 1.6 Million Followers
Jen Affleck and husband Zac Affleck have three kids together.
Disney/Pamela Littky
Mikayla Matthews
TikTok: 3.6 Million Followers
Instagram: 1.5 Million Followers
Mikayla Matthews and estranged husband Jace Terry are parents to four kids.
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