Wed Jun 19 21:06:17 SAST 2013

'It feels good to be normal' - after HIV drugs nightmare

Jun 28, 2012 | Lerato Moeketse | 60 comments

AFTER struggling for years to get help from local hospitals, Mavis* finally underwent a bilateral breast reduction.

Comments

Wed Jun 19 21:06:17 SAST 2013 ::
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Jun 28, 2012

guiliano

These ARV's are humiliating our people.
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Jun 28, 2012

Pointman

@guiliano - what humiliation are you talking about. Her condition was exceptional. ARV's are keeping people with HIV alive and improving their lives too. They can get up everyday and go to work and take care of themselves because of ARV's.
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Jun 28, 2012

BRA-MAFUTHA

Theres two sides of the coin about ARV's is either the keep u well or destroy u.
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Jun 28, 2012

MGEEZ

@Pointman
@guiliano - what humiliation are you talking about. Her condition was exceptional. ARV's are keeping people with HIV alive and improving their lives too. They can get up everyday and go to work and take care of themselves because of ARV's.
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Very responsible comment and I agree with you that the ARV are probably the best solution to this problem currently at our disposal!!!
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Jun 28, 2012

Mzalaz

@Pointman- well said brother, so true, we can't blame ARV's just b'cos of exceptional cases. Many people wuld hv died long ago if it was not for ARV's, those who need it mustcontinue using them if they still wanna live and mus't feel threatened by all this.

Let us all support HIV positive people,love them and treat them the way we wuld like to be treated when diagnosed with hvi + sickness. Viva ARV's.
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Jun 28, 2012

Mellow

@Pointman Its a fact actually ARV's arent good for everyone and they dont necessarily mean they work similar for those taking them. So if you end up with breast as large as Mavis had then you bound to be humiliated.


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Jun 28, 2012

tpaz

Stavudine has been banned , please don't take it. It is cheap but has serious side effects.

Try other combinations....

ARVs are toxic ....but they prolong life if you eat healthy also.


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Jun 28, 2012

BaleliM

Why should something be put in the newspapers before hospitals and home affairs does something. Is it not good enough for a mere human being to ask for help and be helped?
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Jun 28, 2012

ncagumbuduma

So sad that it took the media for her to get help she is entitled to. It says a lot about our civil servant who will be toytoying and saying they are not paid enough.
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Jun 28, 2012

zino

this is really good news write there however i feel like the government shud channel funds into media organization to do some of the work on their behalf.

yes that could be a big help cos they go down to the community and apply batho pele principles,a song sung by public entities to poor service delivery
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Jun 28, 2012

Mofida

i wonder whether the people that are commenting on this story know their HIV status,comment like let us support those who are HIV Positive,the question is do you know your HIV status?
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Jun 28, 2012

Socrates

@Tpaz...Cant agree with you more, ARV's are toxic, those who can afford to eat healthy without them live longer than those who take them but dont eat well. And this is wht Manto and Mbeki have been saying all along and sadly no one has listened because they have to enrich GlaxoWelcomeSmith
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Jun 28, 2012

MsKinkyakaKamaSutra

Good for you Mavis and all the best.

Medication has side effects unfortunately with ARVs its bad or worse than others. It's a catch 2-2 situation, people need them to prolong their lives but at the same time have to deal with the toxicity.


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Jun 28, 2012

masenya

yah eish ma-Africa la thusana man ,keep on giving us those advises
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Jun 28, 2012

Thando1987

Funny how our goverment only responds when they are "name and shamed" by media!Sies!The very same hospital that turned her away now jumped at the opportunity to assist! This woman could have led a normal life if they had assisted her in the first place!Am disgusted in our public health sector!
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Jun 28, 2012

MommaC

Good for you Mavis. Glad the Sowetan (once again) got those useless sods to do their jobs.

Big boobs or a coffin? A no brainer. Keep with the ARVs.
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Jun 28, 2012

2nevvy4u

MommaC
Good for you Mavis. Glad the Sowetan (once again) got those useless sods to do their jobs.

Big boobs or a coffin? A no brainer. Keep with the ARVs.
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im with you on this one,so you mean she must still take ARVs?
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Jun 28, 2012

MommaC

2nevvy4u

Well she doesn't have much of a choice if she wants to live long enough to enjoy her new boobs
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Jun 28, 2012

Shredder

@Pointman - Her condition was exceptional.
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What do you mean her condition was exceptional?
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Jun 28, 2012

Tk-2006

South African Goverment is a nightmare. Nonetheless, i applaud all those who made this whole process a success.
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Jun 28, 2012

Flemza

Mavis one advice from me please use a condom I have been doing it for the last 20 years
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Jun 28, 2012

Shredder

@Socrates - And this is wht Manto and Mbeki have been saying all along and sadly no one has listened because they have to enrich GlaxoWelcomeSmith
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Exactly, but people were too quick to chuck stones at Mbeki. That is what I understood about Mbeki's statement. If you can't afford to get proper diet your condition will deteriorate quicker than the person who can afford.
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Jun 28, 2012

Mas-culin

I'm happy for you Mavis. Take a very good care of yourself. Man will start noticing you again however please use protection.
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Jun 28, 2012

MORNACH!ES011

@Mas-culin,
Where's the email today ?
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Jun 28, 2012

Trynik

Why should are government after a woman cried for help to the media and i feel that Mekgwe was not symphathetic at all....
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Jun 28, 2012

Fancylibra

the gorvenment must stop cutting coners by buying cheap medication & start buying good quality medication 4 ppl who needs it. cos they end up paying more by spending more money trying 2 fix mistakes. mxm!
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Jun 28, 2012

2nevvy4u

MommaC
2nevvy4u

Well she doesn't have much of a choice if she wants to live long enough to enjoy her new boobs
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then what if they(ARVs)make something else grow bigger?Lerato Motsepe stopped taking ARVs saying she does not her life to depend on drugs,she said they made her sick everyday.
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Jun 28, 2012

MommaC

2nevvy4u

There are other ARVs.
I can't take codeine. That doesn't mean that I have to live with a headache. I just take paracetamol instead

People react to medication differently. Some don't have bad side effects with one type and other do. You just have to find the one that works best for you. That is why there is a variety of drugs all for the same problem.
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Jun 28, 2012

Shredder

@MsKinkyakaKamaSutra - Good morning dear. Should I keep an eye on you to ascertain the allegations by MiniSlahla? Kikikiki
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Jun 28, 2012

2nevvy4u

@Mommac-dont you think the clinic where she receiving treatment from was suppose to change her medication in the few days of sideIn this woman condition its about her finding the one that works best for her.
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Jun 28, 2012

Secretary

The picture above undermines the beauty of Mavis, because it was taken as if she protrude bones on her cheek and this is a lie according to what we saw before. However her Complexion is still on top and appealing. Look at her charming nails and they way she opened her legs with her fitness in style. Ladies like Mavis will remain in the field till the end of the world. Viva Mavis Viva.
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Jun 28, 2012

nwamathebula01

im happy for you,my status is negative but my breats is very large naturally but i dont lyk them im sick n tired of wearing bra sometyms when im at work i feel tired at my back,,i wish if you were me mavis
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Jun 28, 2012

MommaC

2nevvy4u

There are many things that clinics 'should' do but they often don't
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Jun 28, 2012

1937

Orlando Pirates is the cure for AIDS.
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Jun 28, 2012

somaartakeit

@Shredder
@Socrates - And this is wht Manto and Mbeki have been saying all along and sadly no one has listened because they have to enrich GlaxoWelcomeSmith
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Exactly, but people were too quick to chuck stones at Mbeki. That is what I understood about Mbeki's statement. If you can't afford to get proper diet your condition will deteriorate quicker than the person who can afford.
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come on guys this is but one case of serious side effects whilst millions survived and (mother to unborn foetus) aids infection has been prevented in many cases.

Anyway if ppl feel so strongly about beetroot and garlic they can always stop with drugs and use that cause no one is forced to take arvs or any medication for that matter, what ppl must understand is that every medication has side effects this is stated in the packaging and users are advised to consult their doctors as soon as they notice side effects.
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Jun 28, 2012

Dj1Stunner

@Sowetan
U've done well by Hlokolozing the Dpt of Health, these guys(health officials) wants to be exposed in order for them to do their job.
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Jun 28, 2012

MarryMe

Editor , just because this woman is your mother, does not mean you should block my comments.
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Jun 28, 2012

CoolCat06

oh sisi i can only imagine how life was for you. finally you going home happy for for you.
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Jun 28, 2012

Taadaa

All the best to you Mavis, i also believe that ARV's works.
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Jun 28, 2012

2nevvy4u

kikikikiki ba go blokile?
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Jun 28, 2012

MsKinkyakaKamaSutra

@Shredder
@MsKinkyakaKamaSutra - Good morning dear. Should I keep an eye on you to ascertain the allegations by MiniSlahla? Kikikiki
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Ageng Rra.

That one was just piggybacking for fame..............

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Jun 28, 2012

Service

everything has side effect ARV's are good as look as you take then in time, eat healthy, have a positive life style like condomise when having sex,important stress free life norman talking from experince. but:
Alocohol, smoking, sex with many partners without protectection, stresing, not eating well know that you are digging your grave fast.


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Jun 28, 2012

Dimphozaza

Mavis ke thaka yaka!2006 she was 22yrs when diagnosed with HIV,anyway sesi please use a condom, eat healthy and look after yourself. Kuyagulwa Emzantsi straight kodwa.
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Jun 28, 2012

Punkies

I wish her well, hope the doctors will prescribe the best ARVs for her which will not cause drastic side effects on her like this.
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Jun 28, 2012

Shredder

@somaartakeit - Anyway if ppl feel so strongly about beetroot and garlic they can always stop with drugs and use that cause no one is forced to take arvs or any medication for that matter, what ppl must understand is that every medication has side effects this is stated in the packaging and users are advised to consult their doctors as soon as they notice side effects.
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I am not saying people must stop with drugs. I am talking about good nutrition, including beetroot and garlic as a food supplement. I am also saying the condition of poor people who cannot afford either to buy drugs and/or good nutrition is more likely to be deteriorate compared to the poor people. Hence poverty is more likely to cause poor people AIDS than the the ones who can afford.
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Jun 28, 2012

nelevolver

lets stop making jokes about other people who are sick especially our own, human beings are sexual by nature hence every one who is sexually active is at risk coz condoms do burst and our partners are not always faithful, as for sis mavis endure many people are surviving some very few though have been healed through a prayer in the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST u can keep on mediating on his word
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Jun 28, 2012

Shredder

@1937 - Orlando Pirates is the cure for AIDS.
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I know only 1 intelligent Pirates supporter, @tpaz.
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Jun 28, 2012

DeOvi

Hello All

i need plp who did IT and communication,wud like to implement an idea with them about the health issues in our country...
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Jun 28, 2012

Shredder

@DeOvi - IT, me me me me me me.
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Jun 28, 2012

TDK

ADVICE: STOOP FOOLING AROUND OR AGREE TO ONE NIGHT STAND(S) WITHOUT PROTECTION TO AVOID SUCH POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDING MEN DEVELOPING BREASTS AND GAINING WEIGHT.
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Jun 28, 2012

Budapat

VIVA SOUTH AFRICAN MEDIA VIVA, PHAMBILI FOR HOLDING THE GOVT AND IT'S OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE WHO VOTED THEM INTO POWER PHAMBILI, I SUPPORT THE MOVE THAT GOVT SHOULD FUND THE MEDIA HOUSES TO DO GRASS ROOT INVESTIGATIONS IN ORDER FOR THE MINISTERS TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THEIR OWN DEPT'S
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Jun 28, 2012

Budapat

@DeOvi = halla back at budapat@gmail.com, im available!!
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Jun 28, 2012

somaartakeit

@Shredder so? what is wrong with growing own veggies in your own garden and have healthy bio meals everyday? Lets not make excuses for lazyness,

btw this garlic and beetroot over rated when speaking of aids, cause you have to look what nutrient benefit both food source have, and you will realise that little to non in the way of eradicating aids, so lets be calm down a bit with beetroot and garlic neh?
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Jun 28, 2012

tpaz

@Shredder.....you couldn't have said it any better.

poor nutrition caused by poverty kil.ls....
if you are hiv+ and have resources & eat well......there are more chances a Putco bus will ki.ll u than AIDs.

@somaartakeit, garlic and beetroot are anti oxidants and they improve your immune system. For anyone whose immune system is compromised it is good to take them. When CD4 count is below 350 start taking ART.
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Jun 28, 2012

somaartakeit

@tpaz there are so many other food sources which are anti oxidants, anyway the point I am trying to drive home is that, its super sillyous for anyone to expect to be cured just by munching garlic and beetroot one needs a balanced died containing all daily nutrient supplies one's body need in order as you say strengthen immunity, and SAns should really be careful how the use this garlic and beetroot comment when speaking about hiv/aids, we are a country with highest infections because of the mixed messages given out when one speaks of this raging killer disease.
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Jun 28, 2012

DeOvi

Shredder and Budapat
wil tel u wen i get app.roval
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Jun 28, 2012

Shredder

@somaartakeit
@Shredder so? what is wrong with growing own veggies in your own garden and have healthy bio meals everyday? Lets not make excuses for lazyness,

btw this garlic and beetroot over rated when speaking of aids, cause you have to look what nutrient benefit both food source have, and you will realise that little to non in the way of eradicating aids, so lets be calm down a bit with beetroot and garlic neh?
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You are running away from the crux of the point. In simple terms, yes poverty does cause AIDS. We are not saying Garlic and Beetroot will cure AIDS, but they do help in the immune system. Lucky Mazibuko (I am sure you do know him) also said sometime on TV that he does feed on garlic and beetroot. We are also not saying that they are the sole nutrients to fight HIV/AIDS. Poverty does contribute a lot in people having AIDS. If you can read from where this started, it is where tpaz mentioning that ARVs do give you longer life IF YOU CAN AFFORD good diet. That is any good diet. That is where the garlic and beetroot thing started. The main thing is AFFORDING PROPER diet. We are not saying people must not take ARVS, they not to be supplemented with proper diet Garlic and Beetroot being one of diet.

Come to think of it you are the one who came with Beetroot and Garlic.
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Jun 28, 2012

Shredder

Correction: - It is supposed to be

They NEED to be supplemented with proper diet Garlic and Beetroot being one of diet.
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Jun 28, 2012

swona

her legs are wide open, no wonder she had HIV!
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Jul 5, 2012

Thamaga15

i am happy for you Madam, Satane o swabile. a modimo a gofe bophelo
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