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My partner and I used to do errands around town. He was always much less self aware than I. That is why I was incredulous when we pulled into the parking lot of one of our favorite stores and he told me to go in without him. When I questioned him about it he finally let it out. "Because I look like a monster." Those words were spoken 24 years ago by the sweetest, most caring man I have ever known, and that stigma he internalized should be fixed because it's the right thing to do.
I have lived with HIV for 26 years and have definitely been affected by lipoatrophy and lipodystrophy. My arms and legs are thin yet my waist is huge, with no butt to cushion me when I sit down. It makes it uncomfortable to put on shoes or pants and my legs tire when I have to walk or sit for long. My cheeks are drawn in and I can see people react when they meet me. I am glad to be alive, but don't have much of a life. I want to be myself again.
I have sufferd severe lipoatrophy as a complication of ARV treament I have been taking for 10 years.Profoundly negative side effects,wastage on my limbs and buttocks have a negative effect on my appearance,mental health,self confindence and esteem.Medical aid refuses to cover the "reconstructive surgery".Insurances should pay for this surgery
i have been hiv positive for a few months now. i have severe anxiety when i think about my facial muscle and tissue disappearing. its bad enough to have to live with hiv but when you no longer have the choice of the whole world knowing or not knowing because its obvious in your face,that makes me sad.i just want to look like me. the wasting causes severe depression and isolation in hiv infected people. most insurances cover vagra for god sake, why isnt something like this taken care of?thank you
Yes, I have HIV and had taken Zerit for over 12 years, and I have seen the facial wasting. I am in favor of the health insurance covering for fillers, especially when a person that suffered from HIV and has taken Zerit or any other type of disease that affect a person facial. Let us know when this will be approving because we needed, and it will help to improve our self-esteem. Thank You.
I do not have hiv but i do have a disease that causes fat wasting it is called lupus panniculittus. I was once a very pretty girl now i find myself looking down when i walk and avoiding people. I was once very out going now i tend to shy away.I pay 100% of my insurance my job does not pay anything at all. Insurances should pay for this procedure because it not only helps yor apperance it helps us mentally and mental health means alot.
Yes Absolutely. Facial wasting is extremely distructive to one's self-esteem. There should be no question about this. All Insurance companies as well as medicare should be required to cover facial fillers and restruction procedures.
Dre
When women had their breast removed due to cancer insurance said no its cosmetic, then due to emoti8onal, depression, and them no longer feeling whole anymore insurance got it and paid. Well facial waisting is worse, you see my face before my breast. The worst thing is a photograph makes me look monsterous. Others have told me the same for them too. I'd do anything to have a face I could look at in the mirror in the morning and look healthy again.
May 10, 2015