‘Every Day Is Pure Hell'

Rika Ward is in constant pain because of her size GG breasts. But she says her medical aid refuses to pay for reduction surgery because they claim it’s for cosmetic purposes

- Jacques Myburgh

Trapped in a prison of pain, Rika Ward is a captive in her own body.

It’s nearly impossible for her to do everyday chores, such as washing dishes or mopping the floor. Even a short walk with her children is agony.

“Every day is a challenge. I can’t even move without gritting my teeth,” Rika (45) tells YOU.

For years Rika from Brakpan, Gauteng, has been burdened with a bosom that weighs 12kg and causes chronic back pain.

“There’s nothing nice about having such large assets,” says Rika, who wears a 44GG bra. “Every day is pure hell. I can do almost nothing – even basic things are a challenge,” she says.

A framed jigsaw puzzle of Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam hangs on one of the family’s lounge walls, and there’s another completed puzzle on another wall. Building puzzles is about all Rika can do without causing herself pain.

“Puzzles keep me sane. It’s the one thing I can do with my kids without feeling as if I’m dying.”

Everything else presents a series of never-ending challenges. And it’s not only physical pain she struggles with.

“I sometimes feel as if people are staring at me. Apart from the chronic pain, it’s also affecting my self-esteem. It feels as if people gawk at me in public and whisper about me behind my back.

“I just want to live a normal life.”

HER heart breaks when her children – Bernice (19), Bianca (17) and Brandon (15) – ask her to do something with them or even just walk to the shops.