Mikayla Matthews, known for her role in the reality series “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” recently shared an update on her struggles with chronic illness, which has taken a significant toll on her life and wellbeing. Following a trip abroad, Matthews expressed deep concerns about returning to Utah amid fears that the environment could exacerbate her condition.
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In a candid video posted on Instagram on April 22, Matthews disclosed the distress she experienced shortly after her return home. Within just two days, she began to notice a resurgence of symptoms related to her chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), a condition she attributes to long-term exposure to mould toxins. Matthews displayed her swollen hands and neck during the video, explaining how the Utah climate affects her health.
“I’m sitting here truly feeling like… in Utah, in this environment, I am just surviving with chronic illness,” she remarked, contrasting her experiences abroad in Costa Rica and California, where she felt comparatively healthier and more alive. “It’s not at the forefront of my mind,” she noted about her time spent away from home.
The influencer documented her anxiety about returning to Utah in a post made just a few days prior, on April 16, where she had been travelling in Costa Rica with former “Dancing with the Stars” professional Lindsay Arnold. In a moment of vulnerability, Matthews shared that the thought of going back home filled her with dread, fearing she might undo the health progress she had made while away.
After her return, Matthews reported that her skin had become painfully inflamed, prompting her to decline invitations to upcoming events. She expressed frustration over comments about her appearance from online followers, revealing the emotional impact her illness has had on her interactions with the public. “I hate doing interviews on the carpet. It’s out there for everyone to see,” she said, shedding light on the challenges of living with a visible health condition.
Matthews described the heavy emotional burden that chronic illness has placed on her family life, voicing feelings of helplessness as severe symptoms prevented her from engaging with her children. “I’m in so much pain laying on my bed not able to go up and get my kids from school or wake up with them,” she shared, indicating the profound sense of loss she feels.
The influencer hinted at the possibility of selling her Utah home in search of relief, but expressed uncertainty about whether a change of location would offer any respite from her persistent symptoms. “Nobody is ever going to understand the impact of chronic illness and skin condition,” she lamented, emphasising how these issues have stripped away precious time with her family.
Matthews’ battle with chronic illness is not a new narrative; she first brought attention to her struggles in September 2024, revealing that mysterious skin flare-ups had been a constant companion during the filming of her show. In 2023, she disclosed a history of chronic eczema dating back to her childhood, while noting that her more recent symptoms surfaced after she underwent breast implant surgery.
The reality star is not only navigating her health challenges but also the emotional weight that comes with motherhood. As a mother to four young children, including an eight-year-old son and three daughters, Matthews shared that feelings of “mom guilt” have compounded her struggles, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and isolated.
Throughout her journey, Matthews has remained open about the realities of living with chronic illness. By sharing her experiences publicly, she aims to raise awareness and foster understanding around the complexities of health challenges that can often be invisible to others. As she continues to confront her condition, Matthews’ story resonates with many who face similar battles, highlighting the need for compassion and support in the face of chronic illness.