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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 16, 2001)
28 novambaf 16. 2001 20 Years C O Later Local research < ome drug regimen changes are being studied by a Portland- based nonprofit. The Research and Education Group operates as part of a national network of sites looking into HIV management issues. Support coordi nator Steven Pierson says the or ganization initially offered studies as a way to provide clients an advance opportunity to try new therapies, especially those offer ing immediate treat ment for opportunistic infections. Today, re searchers assess differ ent types of treatment strategies for manag ing HIV during the long term. One such study just getting under way will incomes follow two groups. The first will continue to use existing treatments, changing reg imens as necessary, according to current practices. The second will follow a “cycling” method in which patients take medication only when T-cell counts drop below a certain level. Although the dangers of repeatedly dropping to low T-cell counts are not known, cycling has the advan tages of reducing toxicity, costing less and potentially keeping open long-term drug options. S ■i Swan House, a nonprofit adult foster care home in Milwaukie, serves HIV-positive people with low These new drugs came with their own side effects, however, such as peripheral neuropathy. And these were side effects of the medication— not HIV or AIDS— in addition to things like nausea and fatigue. jamela Alvey has been in the HIV field For those who don’t tolerate these medica since she was 17 years old. Last year, tions well, the side effects can be debilitating she opened Swan to the point of not being House, a nonprofit adult able to work or carry out foster care home in Mil "Until protease inhibitors daily activities. In turn, waukie for HIV-positive when drugs make patients came out everybody just feel ill, it affects how well people with low incomes. As a nurse, Alvey has wit they adhere to a regimen, died— and died pretty nessed firsthand the some o f which involve quickly. Today people who dozens of pills each day. progress that has occurred in treatment options, and Despite recent drug were at death's door are combinations she wanted to create a with simpli place for patients who still alive It wasn't a cure fied dosage, adherence needed help but were still remains a serious issue. If a but it felt like one." somewhat independent. drug’s course of therapy is “Until protease inhibi — Pamela Alvey not strictly maintained, it’s possible for the virus to tors came out, everybody ________________ just died— and died pretty mutate, becoming resistant quickly,” she remembers. “Today, people who to the treatment. The virus then might carry were at deaths door are still alive. It wasn’t a with it resistance to a whole class of drugs, even cure, but it felt like one.” eliminating future alternative treatments. Continued from Page 27 For better or worse ; . ?, Lisa Gates, a mental health provider and out reach specialist with Women’s Intercommunity AIDS Resource. Like their positive brothers, the needs of women with HIV now center less on oppor tunistic infections than the side effects of what they call their “toxic meds.” In fact, Gates says clients tend to identify drugs more by how they make them feel than by their names. For some, she adds, “This boils down to quality of life vs. quantity of life.” The organization has seen its clientele change significantly, too. Most notable is the rise in number of young women, women of color and trans individuals. However, one support groups advice to the newly diagnosed is universal: Don’t screw up your credit, because you’re going to have to pay it back. Gates remarks, “Essentially, they’re say ing life is going to go on.” JF1 TIMOTHY K rause is a urriter and editor in Portland. Feminine perspective W! hen I first started, most women were well and working or sick and wasting. Then, all of a sudden, we’re at this place where they’re not either. They’re not well, and they’re not sick and wasting. They’re in limbo,” says Even today, ignorance remains the most harmful risk factor in fighting A ID S 1MPÙW7 Mention this ad and get a 10% discount. “SAME DAY SERVICE ON MOST REPAIRS” Repairs of All Makes & Models Am erican • European • Imports Ca rs * Trucks • RVs ! W e Fix It Right the First Time From Oil Changes to Overhaul, Fred's Auto Works Does It All Close to Downtown • Free Local Rides All Makes & Models "Frod's Auto Works... Why Doosn't Yoors?" Services Include: • Maintenance • D E Q • Tune-ups - Poor Engine Performance • Brakes • Clutch • All Electrical Problems • Carburetors & Fuel Injection • Pro Purchase Inspection • Alternators & Starters (Repaired, Rebuilt or Exchanged) Lit mens a n d womens • c l o t h i n g 214 sw 8th Portland 503 82 7 3 3 0 0 « e g www• l i t p d x • com 926 SE Morrison, Portland • http://aandgautomottva.uawMtdax.com
