'90 Day Fiance's Stephanie Matto Opens Up About Her Rare Illness

Gettyimages | Manny Carabel

When the fourth season of 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days began, many of the show's viewers were excited to meet the first same-sex couple.

One half of that couple is Stephanie Matto, a YouTube personality who has been sharing her life for years. Stephanie has also been earnest about a disease she was diagnosed with called aplastic anemia. This rare blood disease posed a challenge when she fell in love with Erika Owens, who lives in Australia. In the most recent episodes of the show, Stephanie could be seen taking the risk of visiting Erika.

stepankamatto | Instagram

In her segments of the show, Stephanie has discussed some of the facts of her medical condition. Aplastic anemia is a condition in which the body fails to produce the blood cells it needs. In Stephanie's case, life-saving blood transfusions were necessary, and her immune system remains compromised. As she describes on the show, she could become intensely ill if she contracts a common cold. Stephanie's mother was very upset that her daughter was going to Australia, especially in such a vulnerable state.

stepankamatto | Instagram

While Stephanie's life is certainly impacted by her illness and she has to obtain clearance from her doctors in order to travel anywhere, she was able to find love in another country. Those curious can tune in to see how Stephanie's condition impacts her love life.

Of course, Stephanie's battle is not over. She continues to make YouTube videos about her illness and diagnosis, and it appears she is going to be in a documentary, Empty Blood, about the dangers of this condition and others like it.

stepankamatto | Instagram

In a recent Instagram post, Stephanie went further in-depth about some of the side effects associated with her medications. One medication she describes suppresses her menstrual period to prevent her from bleeding, which would be very dangerous for her.

Stephanie also describes the toll the medications have taken on her body and libido, impacting her relationship with Erika. In response to a recent episode of Before the 90 Days, Stephanie writes, "So please be aware that upon meeting Erika, my lack of sexual openness was nothing to do with apprehension of my bisexuality."

stepankamatto | Instagram

While Stephanie still struggles with her condition, medications seemingly keep it under control. When Stephanie arrives in Australia, Erika becomes aware of how many medications she must take each day. It is certainly out of the norm, and it brings the reality of Stephanie's condition to the forefront.

While people may have concerns about the validity of the show, a few things are certain. Stephanie's disease is incredibly rare, and it can also be fatal if it is not treated seriously.

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