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Drug pump and drug test

Hi, my question is regarding an intrathecal drug pump and drug testing. The short story is that I've had 21 back surgeries, and after being on many (just about most) pain meds, my doctor finally put in a drug pump with dilaudid. As most probably know, this pump is installed in the abdomen with a catheter that runs to my back and is inserted into the intrathecal space of the spine (where the spinal fluid is). So the medication does not go into my blood stream or cross the blood brain barrier. My main question is there are some jobs that I would like to do or try instead of just being disabled and knowing the TV channels by heart... But I need to know if a drug test either urine or blood will test positive for the medication in the pump. As most people that have a disability know; many employers stay away from us "disabled". So I would like to try a different route and not tell an employer that I've had 21 back surgeries and have a pump installed as its not really their business anyway. It's not like I'm going to apply to be a logger or something, but there are some jobs I can do but as soon as they find out about a disability they suddenly tell me they have someone else more qualified, etc. Does anyone know if a drug test will show the presence of the medication in my pump? My thinking is it shouldn's since it all goes into the intrathecal space and not blood. But I wanted to ask to see if anyone has come across this. Thanks!
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Avatar universal
Jerry, thanks for the advice. It is appreciated! I asked because as you seem to be aware of, it gets very disappointing when you know you can do certain jobs to an extent, but we are suddenly labeled because we are disabled and they then tell you that someone was more qualified... Even though I'm disabled and have went through 21 surgeries the last few years, I'm not the type of person to just sit at home, collect a check, and feel worthless. I'm not ready to just give up.

But I'm going to take your advice and just tell them upfront. I guess then if they choose someone else when I know that I am  the most qualified that may be a good case of discrimination.

My main concern is that an employer will say "we are a drug free company" and if my pump meds do show up, that could give them a reason to disqualify me. But I still think that being that the meds are delivered intrathecally, there is a good chance they won't show in a standard urine test as the meds are not in my blood.. Guess there is only one way to find out though.

Thanks for the advice! I'm really not trying to skirt the system, just am tired of being passed over because I'm disabled. Before being disabled, I would have landed the job with no problem. So its just getting old. No of us chose to be disabled, yet much of society puts us in a box so to speak.

Thanks again Jerry, and hopefully I will post again soon with good news!
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Avatar universal
I know i know I'm not being unsympathetic. Some people have to work HARDER at some things than other people. It's not fair by any means.

You will have to work harder at finding an employer.

If you do a "life review" of your own life, I'm sure you will find some things that have come 'easily' for you that was hard for others.

This matter is one of those things that will be, and will CONTINUE to be harder for you.

But, that's life.

Don't hide the fact that you have a drug pump.

Use this fact to your advantage. Heck, start out the conversation about how it's difficult for disabled people to get employed.... but you, being the honest person that you are, are going to share this right-off-the-bat with your interviewer, and they will know if they hire you, they will be hiring someone very forthright and honest.

Don't do the "different route" thingy. No. Bad bad bad.

There ARE employers out there that would be more than happy to have you work for them -- your attitude needs to be that if they DON'T hire you, it's their loss.

And, yes, you know and I know that dilaudid from a pain pump is NOT the same as narcotic pills, and yes, they are stupid for thinking you're going to be "going around high," and, well, that's going to continue to be a difficulty for you, I cannot sugar-coat that for you.

I WOULD say, though, no matter how menial or dull or dumb your next job opportunity is, TAKE IT! A person that is *already working* is much more attractive to hire than someone who is un-employed.... so don't be picky (at first!).

Good luck!
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Avatar universal
Jerry, I completely understand where you're coming from and agree. But as you may know, being disabled employers seem to always find a way to go with someone else once they find out about the disablity. Now that I'm off oral meds and and my pump delivers directly to the itrathecal space which does not go into the blood stream (in fact I can't tell when it doses or not as its not in my blood). I thought maybe I just would not mention it but don't want a trace amount showing up in pre-employment drug urine test. I don't feel impaired in the slightest with the pump. I did on oral meds, but intrathecal meds I don't feel anything. And mainly I'm sick of being discriminated against just because I'm disabled. The pump has allowed me to be myself again for most things, but that doesn't stop an employer from skipping me over.. So that is the reason I though I would try a different route. As most of you know that are disabled, sitting at home doing nothing gets old quickly! I need to work at least part time or seasonal or something. Anyway, thanks for the input.
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Avatar universal
It all depends on the drug testing company that your employer uses.

But, rather than try to sidestep/obfuscate your drug use, please understand and consider your future employer's (and yours') liability issues. Let's say you DON'T have a "drive-heavy-machinery" job...rather, let's say your job is to simply stock shelves. And, while you're on a ladder, you suddenly experience a little dizziness because your pain pump just dispersed its bi-hourly (or whatever it's set on) dose of dilaudid and then you drop a box on a child's head because you got temporarily dizzy.

One has to be *socially responsible* and, you have to think of others. Therefore, I would *definitely* disclose that you are taking medication, even if a pain pump may have less potential for side effects than normal "pill taking."

And, moderators, please don't delete this post. I'm thinking of OTHER people here, for a change.....
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Avatar universal
I plan to ask him, however, I only see him about every 3 months though. So I was hoping someone knew the answer before I saw him a couple months away..
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Avatar universal
Why don't tmyou ask your pain doctor this question :)
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