Pain management failed drug test

[lmull]

I have been going to the same pm center for 10 years, I have always been compliant. In January i did a random urine drug screen I was hoorified at the results there were drugs in there I have never taken even an illict drug. My name wasnt on the cup it was placed by me in a room where there were several other cups no one checked the temperature. no chain of command. In february they filled my ms contin and in march now they cut me off and said i could get narcotics from another docter but still use them for epidurals and such. Their policy is if you fail your dropped-why didnt they drop me. I saw their drug consulor and i have bad teeth but weigh 200 pounds, based on my teeth she felt i may be a meth user. I am a nurse for 24 years and am very anti drug. I am not sure what to do they have refused to retest me this is april! I feel like I have been tried found guilty and sentenced and labeled a drug addict. Also i am on workers comp. And when I mentioned that I was uncomfortable about the way the test was done THEY exploded on me verbaly that they dont make mistakes. HELP!

[Tuckamore]

Hi Imull,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you have found us.

You have just experienced this crazy delivery system they call health care. I am so sorry that this has happened to you. You have a reputation and a liscense to maintain. If the board of nursing gets wind of this you may have a big issue. At least in my state that would be the case.

I think I would look for another PMP. If they handle drug screening in this manner how do they deal with other important procedures? I know it is difficult to change providers when you are already established a relationship with one. In my opinion you need to appeal to someone! If the PMP will not clear up this situation you need to take it further. Again, just is just my opinion. I would not want this on my medical record.

Sure they will keep you as a patient. They don't make their revenue from prescribing narcotics, they make it from appointments and treatments. You are not the only one that this has happened to but I know that that doesn't make you feel any better at this point.

I am hopeful that your PCP will prescribe you pain medications, especially with the endorsement of your PMP. Please keep us posted and let us know how you are doing. I am hopping that you will become an active member of our community.
Best of luck and take care, Tuck

[sandee1818]

I always tell those in this situation that the only test that will clear your name is a hair follicle test. They are availble online and will email or call your doctor with the results. I have had one member go this route and it cleared her name. I will try and find the link again if you would like it. It test for prescription and illegal substances and will show results up to 90 days.
Also there is 13 drugs that will hinder a test as negative for opiates. I have posted them before and will see if I can find them for you. if I am not mistaken Cipro is on that list.

[nick30]

maybe they didn't drop you because in hindsight they may have realised that there was a flaw in thier technique? i'm sure that they won't admit it.
I think it may be better for you in the long run to find a new pain manager. rather than try to find out why and all the other things, just find someone that you can trust to look after you better, it's your health and your life. if they aren't doing the right thing then leave them.

nick

[lmull]

If you can find me the info on the hair follicle test it would be great. I am going to try and find another pm and see if my pcp will help me he knows me well professionally and I just recently started seeing him as a patient because my health insurance at work changed anyway i get off subject somme times. I havn't been able to get a hold of my workers comp person. I have lifetime medical on my work injury thru workers comp, I don't know how this will affect changing pm. Thank you for the help. The drug list you mentioned would be great too. God bless and thanks again

[lmull]

Yes if the boards were informed that wouldn't be good. But since i was a patient on this messed up test I think Hippa will protect me that way. If I had "failed" a drug screen at work thats board reportable. I am like all nurses subject to random drug screens and have never failed one .

[sandee1818]

I posted the list on the board. I also will look for that adress for the hair follicle test.