A YOUNG HIV-positive woman's social life has been ruined by her abnormally large breasts, caused by side effects to anti-retroviral (ARV) medication.

A YOUNG HIV-positive woman's social life has been ruined by her abnormally large breasts, caused by side effects to anti-retroviral (ARV) medication.

Mavis* of Ekurhuleni, who was diagnosed in 2006 with HIV, developed ARV-related side effects that affected her mobility, and could not walk for two years.

"In 2008, my breasts started growing rapidly and got heavy, making life difficult for me," Mavis, 29, said.

The condition is known as lipodystrophy. It is recognised through changes in fat reduction or redistribution - often in one area - leading to abnormal body shape transformations.

Dr Phillip Botha of the faculty of medicine and health sciences at Stellenbosch University confirmed that lipodystrophy is a side effect from ARVs.

"It is not something that develops quickly, but it develops after months, and if it is picked up early then the patient needs to change her drugs to something light[er]," Botha said.

"This condition can be very distressing for its cosmetic appearance to patients."

Mavis said: "I was going for regular check-ups and the doctors were also concerned. And in 2009, just before I could undergo breast reduction surgery, I was informed that this would no longer be done as I was anaemic and had a bone marrow deficiency."

Doctors then started treating the anaemia and bone marrow-related complications, while the lipodystrophy worsened.

Her breasts reach her knees. "The combined weight of my breasts is equal to carrying two two-year-old babies around at all times.

"And I cannot sleep properly because I hurt myself if I turn around carelessly. So, I have to carry each breast gingerly to the other side if I wish to turn. It is as if I am cursed. I live indoors all day long. I cannot move or visit my friends."

She has no bra size and has to cover herself with a towel. "Going out is just a shame for me because people make fun of me and my condition."

In 2009, Mavis was shocked to learn authorities would no longer help her with the medical procedure and was referred to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. "I was now being told to pay for the operation, which was said to cost R10000 that I do not have as I am not working. I had to stop working when my legs gave in in 2007."

She survives by selling cool drinks.

In 2010, she went to Chris Hani Baragwanath for pre-surgery check-ups.

"I was told to go back home and await a call that was to inform me of a date for the breast reduction procedure. I stayed waiting [from 2010 to 2011] for a call that would have helped end my misery, in vain," Mavis said.

She returned to the hospital in December 2011 and was booked in for March 14. When she went, she was told again to go back home and that they would call her.

She was told her appointment was cancelled due to a staff shortage.

"So I am still waiting, and hoping," she lamented.

*Mavis is not her real name.

• This article was first published in the printed newspaper on 14 June 2012