drug testing

Hi, I quit taking hydrocodone today, not the easiest thing!  I suffer from chronic back pain due to Scoliosis.  There is a very important job opporunity for me, beginning Dec. 8th, however, my drug test is scheduled for Tuesday.  I have regularly taken 1-2 per day for atleast a year, and before that, I took that many atleast 2-4 days per week for a couple years.  Does anyone know how long it might take for those to not show in my system?  I really hate to jeapordize this job opportunity, but I also do not want to embarrass myself.  I am wondering if I should cancel the test or not.  I have a chance to take the test up to Friday of this week, but that is the last day.  Thanks so much for any help you can give me!  kygirl

[allaboutmary]

I would move the test to Thursday or Friday just to be sure, but I think if you have a perscription for them it shouldn't matter. Others will probably know more so hang in there. It's the weekend and not many are on the forum.  

[IBKleen]

You will be fine. Good Luck with the job!!!

[tee1972]

Most or all companys dont even test for vicodin, they test for the heavy stuff, I carry a CDL and drive school bus and I dont get tested for vicodin so I'm sure its not ever tested for . But, hopefully this test and being worried about it has helped you stay off the stuff all together

[DKRaider]

When you take a urine test for a company they usually have you list any medication your taking on the form you sign for the test. You certainly have a legitiment reason for taking pain meds...no company could ever fault you for that. Best of luck with the job!

[lurker]

Not sure what type of job it is, but I"m a supervisor at a large company that drug tests.  The way it works at our company is you take the test and if it is positive the drug testing place, which is not part of our company, calls you and you prove you have a prescription for the drug.  They then report the test to us as negative.  We only get told of positive tests if it is for street drugs or if the person tests positive and cannot prove they have a prescription.  As my pal IBKleen says, you should befine.  And to Mary - our company won't allow people to reschedule the test.  We give them a date and they have two business days to complete the test or their offer of employment is withdrawn. I hate that but they say they do it to avoid people trying to beat the test.
I think you'll be fine kygirl.  It's really not ok for an employer to withhold a job because you are taking a legitatmately prescribed drug.  Please let us know how it goes - I'm pulling for you!!!

[kygirl134]

And to all of the other wonderful posters!  Thank you guys so much for your positive and encouraging feedback!  I am so happy to have found this site, people can actually understand my problems here.  To answer your questions, no, I am not embarrassed of having Scoliosis, apparently it is something I was born with and did not find out about it until I worked for some Orthopedic physicians (ironic), and was having severe spasms in my back as a result of how I was sitting and twisting to do my job.  I had intense physical therapy daily for my entire hour of lunch and both 15min breaks 5 days per week for 6months, and then I moved to a location where our PT office was not located, so, it was a bit harder then.  I try to manage my pain, it is very frustrating though!  I worry about what the long term effects may be of these pills on my body, but honestly, there is not a lot of relief for this condition, surgery isn't even an option but in the most severe of cases and it is quite brutal.  It is difficult to stay motivated to do the simplest of things, such as:  washing dishes, or sweeping and mopping, but, I just take my pills and once they start to kick in, I get busy.  Even then I'm in pain, but not as severe.  This position is actually for the USPS, so, a pretty good job that I would hate to let go by.  Lurker, thanks so much for your comments, it has really set my mind at ease!!  I will let you guys know, you're the best!  If anyone would like to email me, btw, or im me, please feel free, it's ***@****.  Thanks again!  Lee Ann

[IBKleen]

Lee Ann...

It is against MedHelp's policy to give out your e-mail address in the public forum. As you can see, it did not show up. It would be nice if you would create a profile. that way, you name would turn blue like the others, and people would be able to send you messages. If you need help setting it up, just ask. Take care.

[littlerody]

having a script is a must,, but the levels should be lower than 2000ml,,,they can tell when you took your last pill,, give at least 6 hrs