I've now been a patient at IEP for the past two and a half years. I first approached the clinic as a walk-in. Living just 4 blocks away, I walked by many times and was curious about what went on inside. A number of ads in the local gay papers about IEP had caught my attention. It was time for further investigation.

I had known about my HIV status for five years prior to ever walking into IEP. My symptoms were increasing with time while my T-cells and life energy were decreasing. Western treatments alone were not working. The situation was rapidly becoming more complicated.

At my initial intake, I met Eddie and took an instant liking to him. He was warm, knowledgeable about the program and had lots of dish to share about various practitioners. As I asked question after question, Eddie patiently and creatively answered singing the praises of the clinic, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture as a way to address HIV. My biggest resistance was a lifetime fear of needles. Eddie explained that the needles were smaller than a human hair and felt like a little pinch when first inserted. He also raved about the Seven Forests herbal products developed for use with HIV, and shared his own personal experiences with me about taking them. I liked Eddie's personal approach. His desk, close to the main entrance, made for a very homey, store-front like atmosphere. The space felt warm, safe and nurturing. I was ready to give it a try.

I finally got up the nerve to set up an actual appointment. I remember it was close to my birthday in June of 1992. I was running one of my many fevers and was feeling pretty awful. I called Eddie and was booked almost immediately. The acupuncture did help to relieve the fever as well as a number of other symptoms. The fear of needles didn't and still hasn't gone away, but I got through my initial session and based on the results, was ready to try more. That's when I enrolled in the full program and started coming to the clinic weekly. I enjoyed the sessions once the needles were all in and truly relaxed for the remainder of my time on the table and for many hours following. At the time, I was still working in a pressure-cooker-type-job. The acupuncture treatments allowed me to maintain a sense of myself and my feelings as I continued to work.

In January of 1993, I went on a trip to Spain with a close friend. I became quite ill while on the trip and upon my return discovered that I had developed Salmonella while in Spain. The friend I was travelling with, who had eaten all the same foods in all the same places (but was and thank God still is HIV negative) did not develop this problem. For the next five months I was treated aggressively with an array of Chinese herbs and weekly acupuncture as well as Western medications. When the salmonella was finally out of my system I was very weak, had lost over 40 pounds and had a T-cell drop from 540 to 131. I was pretty sick. My M.D. and I agreed it was time to go onto disability, take care of myself as a priority and get out of the stressful job I identified with so very much.

The transition was difficult but now I know it was the right thing to do. I'm involved in various community projects, volunteer work, travel as much as possible, and I write.

IEP has become a second home to me. I now have two sessions each week and consider my acupuncturist a crucial part of my healing and treatment team. He listens intently to my stories, symptoms and feelings and responds accordingly. He makes many suggestions for various supplemental treatments, but never insists that I do it his way. He absolutely allows me to make the decisions. In doing so, empowers me in my own treatment process.

The clinic has changed in the two and a half years I've been a part of it. The Mom and Pop atmosphere that Eddie so diligently fostered has evolved into a more business like setting with more forms, staff positions and volunteers. The ability to treat more patients came with the acquisition of various grants which include Ryan White CARE funding, which makes treatment available to many who could otherwise not afford it. The various massage programs and the nutrition program all add to the effectiveness of total treatment at IEP. The choices are many and the resources are all high quality. While I miss the informal approach and the ease of access to appointments, it is clear to me that the growth of IEP has been positive.

I now have 72 T-cells. It's clear to me that my treatments at the clinic will continue for as long as I do. My Western M.D. knows that I am actively involved in TCM treatments but remains neutral on the subject. How I balance TCM with Western treatment seems to change based on what I'm going through, how I'm feeling and what seems to be working in the moment. Through IEP I am empowered to ask for what I need and to speak honestly with an open heart to my practitioner and to the entire staff. I am pleased to be able to write this piece and hope it will encourage others to explore the clinic and its many options for living more positively with HIV.

I dedicate this piece to the memory of Eddie Blandini. May his memory and his love and concern for the clinic and all its patients be a blessing to us all.