Pain management doctor

Welp, now what???!! I’m so sorry this happened to you. I have no recourse for you either, just empathy!
But let’s work through this. Do you take any other prescriptions or OTC drugs? Because there are meds that can cause false positives.
Did you take any cough medication with codeine? Codeine metabolizes into morphine through its first pass through the liver.
How about any allergy med like Dimetap or Clairiton (Lortadine). That’s another drug that can show false positives in a blood test.
If you wanted to make a stink, which I might if I had no recourse, is demand a hair follicle test or repeat drug test.

Wow, to be cut off just like that without listening is really not fair. Were you trying to have a pain med refilled?

Very frustrating. What provider dismissed you? your PCP or a specialist? Ask for copy of test results and dr notes. If not your primary, get appointment with primary and request repeat of test.

Laurie

Hello @sandysurf

I agree with what the others have said. Definitely ask for a repeat of the test as soon as you can. If your current doctor (who dismissed you) will not do it, then you should go to another medical facility that can help you with a retest.

I have a friend who has insurance that requires a nicotine test and if it is positive she has to pay a higher premium as well as higher copays. Well, one year she tested positive for nicotine. As she has never used cigarettes or other nicotine products she insisted on a retest and it proved negative.

Mistakes in lab tests do happen. So find another provider and insist on a repeat of the test.

I took nothing that wasn’t in my list of meds except a generic Benadryl. He caught me so off guard, I was shocked. I’m just pissed now. I don’t know if he was even looking at the right screen on his computer, since he mentioned hyydrocodone, which he didn’t give me. It’s oxycodone! Maybe I just got saved from someone else wanting to cut into my back. I’m just afraid to go to anyone else, because doctors protect their own and probably wouldn’t believe me. I’m still devastated.

Pain management. How stupid would anyone have to be to take something not prescribed when you know that they’re gonna hand you a urine sample cup as soon as you walk in the door.

Aw, wow, that’s really a shocker to be dismissed so summarily. But you know, I wouldn’t let that stop me from looking for another pain management doctor or request a retake from your current doctor. It still may have been a false positive and you deserve another chance.

It’s consuming my mind! I’m afraid to even look for another pain management doctor.

Hi again, @sandysurf,

I just read your most recent post and see that you are still upset with your former doctor. While it was unfair to be treated like that, it is unfortunate that it keeps you from moving forward to find a new doctor.

The fact that you say that this is, "consuming my mind" indicates that you may need help to move forward. What might help you to move forward? Is there a person you could trust to help you work through this?

Good morning @sandysurf. I’m looking at sandy surf myself right now and it’s an awesome way to start the day.
Sandy, this is one of those times where you’re going to have to be proactive for yourself. I know how difficult this can be when most of you wants to curl up in a ball and hide. But honestly, facing this personal crisis head on is going to be your best way to get some results.

I really enjoyed reading your bio and had to chuckle that your 18 year old brain isn’t cooperating with your 70 year old body! Oh, wow, I can so totally relate to that. I’m going to be 68 in January and literally have the blood/bone marrow of a 20 year old so I tend to run on the wild side. And my brain is somewhere between 16 and 24. 😂 But part of your 70 year old brain, let’s make it the 50 and fabulous part, would have enough moxie to make a phone call or two and get yourself a new doctor. Your former doctor should be out of the picture.

I just have to ask, when you went to your doctor, was it to get a refill for a prescription? Is this a prescription you had when you moved from Michigan? I do know with the new laws it’s terribly difficult to get medications for pain. My BFF moved and it was a huge challenge for her. She found a doctor who worked with her to manage pain and was able to be put on palliative care. Then there was no issues going forward about securing her medications. Just a thought.

We have chronic pain management discussions in Connect that you might find useful. They may give you some better insight when it comes to looking for a new doctor or pain management clinic. I know you’re cynical about ‘doctors protecting each other’, and in some instances I’m sure you’re right. But most of my experiences with the medical community is that doctors and staff are compassionate and caring people. Approach with a positive attitude and a fresh start.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/646373/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/pain/

This happened to me once, marijuana though not morphine in my urine. That dr treated me the same way. I went directly to the nearest emergency room and explained my situation, they gave me a repeat test & I was clean... So, that's what I can offer you as advice. Hope all issues are resolved...God bless!