Mikayla Matthews is shedding new light on her health battle. The star of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" has shared for the first time her diagnosis of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), detailing her experience as a parent amidst a year-long struggle with this chronic illness. She welcomed her and estranged husband Jace Terry's fourth baby, Lottie June, in July.
"I'm genuinely just barely surviving," Mikayla wrote on her Instagram Stories on 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 of 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 literally stolen everything from me," she continued on her Stories. "I had a year and a 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 I'm still working on."
Despite sharing that CIRS has "ruined everything" in her body—including her nerves, skin, brain, liver, and hormones—Mikayla sees her experience as an opportunity to inspire others. "I've said no to so many fun events, premieres, 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 bad things are happening to you."
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 yourself."
Mikayla concluded with an inspiring message, adding, "Moms are truly my heroes. You're doing amazing, and your children are so lucky to have a mom like you."
