test results

[jssj]

I have been on chronic pain medication for about 8 yrs now, specifically extended release morphine sulfate 60 mg 2X daily.  I take my Morphine religiously at 4am and 4pm, have blood work monthly.  I just went into my doctor and was discharged from  the clinic because my blood work showed NO Morphine in my system, this is the second time that this happened the last time about 3 yrs ago.  I a just in shock,  I have no idea why the blood work would come back this way, if I did not take my meds I would go thru some really unpleasent withdrawal symptoms,  my pain level is usauly 7-8 with the meds, I would be miserable without it.  My reg doc referred me to a new pain doctor (she believes me).  But the worse part is having this label that I must be doing something else with my meds, the doctors assistant was rude and degrading towards me.  Has anyone else had problem with inaccurate blood work.  I have had a gastric bypass surgery and have a hard time absorbing medicines. I have genetic markers that that make me a slow matabilizer of certain meds (Xanax), I have to be really careful as it builds up in my system, really easily.

[Tuckamore]

Thanks for clearing that up - I'm dense sometimes. :o)

You certainly are not alone. Just look through our pages and you will see this occurs often. We poor CPP )Chronic Pain Patients) are thrown to the wolves - not believed and labeled. Some CPP never are able to obtain PM again. It's a very sad situation.

I know the statistics - the possibility of a false negative or false positive with the GC/MS UDS method is considered to be less than 1%. That's provided there is no human error.

I know good, honest ppl like you "fail" these tests every day! It may also be because the person "reading" the test does not know how to read it. When it comes down to why - in most cases it doesn't matter when we are dismissed. No trial, no input from us - we're guilty! Sad situation

My heart goes out to you! Thanks for keeping us updated.

~Tuck

[namnam46]

As u've discovered, you're DEFINITELY not the only 1 out there.  Unfortunately, I think almost every Chronic Pain Patient have the same fears and are just waiting for an error to happen with their tests.  Living in fear each and every time they are handed the cup and asked to give a sample.  I know I have that "twinge" in my gut.  I get my meds in 3 month prescriptions  (3 different scripts for my Fentanyl & Percocet).  So that means every time I go in I have a urine test.  That apprehension is there always.  Hang in there, as we all have said YOU'RE NOT ALONE!!!

Think positive, we're here for you.

Sending good thoughts your way....Sherry :)

[jssj]

Thanks for your help and support, I knew I could not be the only one out here that this has happened to.

[jssj]

The assistant was to my pmp, when they "discharged" me, I contacted my pcp "she is the one who knows me and trusts what I am telling her is the truth", referred my to a new pmp.  Thanks for your words of support, much appreciated.

[namnam46]

Welcome jssj.  :)

I'm so sorry that you have had this happen to you.  As Tuck stated so perfectly, this IS what all CPP's (Chronic Pain Patient's) worry about each and every time we go to our PM (Pain Management) Doctor's.   I'm so sorry this has happened to you, also.

I believe you, too.  I'm so glad your PCP (Primary Care Physician) knows you so well and knows you did nothing wrong.  

I'm sorry that your Doctor seemingly decided to over look your bypass surgery that will certainly affect the way you absorb your food and especially your meds.  As Tuck said, she's been going thru this, also.  I have a malabsorption problem with my meds but not because of what you and Tuck have experienced, my Doctor's discovered mine when I had my hysterectomy 25 years ago and my system couldn't absorb my estrogen pills.  I have the same problem with my pain meds, too.  Unfortunately, as you know, it takes more and more often to be able to stay in my system.  Hence, that's why I worry about the tests.  THANKFULLY,  my Doctor understands and knows what I'm up against and so far I haven't had a problem.  

I hope you will keep us posted on how your new PM Dr. works out for you.  

I join Tuck in hoping you will be an active member on here as you can add a lot to our Forum.

Wishing you the very best and looking forward to your updates...... Sherry. :)

[Tuckamore]

Hi Jss,

Welcome to our Pain Management Community. You have my empathy. I think most of us live in fear of a false Drug Screen - I do - even though like you I always takes my meds as ordered.

The only thing that makes sense in your situation is human error! Yes, the mechanism for preforming UDS (Urinary Drug Screens) involves humans - and they make mistakes.

You're fortunate that your Physician believe you and is referring you to a PMP.  I assume your current PMP is your PCP? (Please clarify.)  Often physicians dismiss patients when UDS don't return as expected. Ask your current physician to make notes in your medical record that she/he believes the results of the UDS was incorrect. She/he can even add that they cannot explain the reason for the apparent false negative - that will go a long way in your future care.

It's not clear to me if this physician that dismissed you was a PMP and not your PCP - or if your PCP was ordering your meds and is now referring you to a PMP?

I assume you'll never see that "doctor's assistant" that was so rude to you. Chalk that one up to an uneducated person in UDS and the true drug diverters that are out there and give all of us a bad name! You'll encounter ppl like that every where. The tainted Media, DEA, the Abusers, Addicts, etc have made we chronic pain patients sub-human, second class citizens. Hold your head up. You have the right to pain management.

I wish I have better answers. When a UDS comes up false negative it can only be human error - as I believe you were taking your meds.

I have a Malabsorption issue do to major loss of my small intestine - where nutrients and many medications are absorbed. LA opiates are not absorbed as well as they are in ppl without this conditions - I assume the same may be true for you - but they still show up.

Please be active in our community. Your experience will help others. I'll look forward to hearing from you again soon. I wish you the best.

Take Care,
~Tuck

Will you see the

[fntn]

Since you have a good relationship with your pain doctor, I'd push the assistant to be more precise. Don't be adversarial, but do push for the reasoning behind their thinking. So ... "What's the problem ..." , again not in a confrontational way, but you deserve to know what's behind this "person's" attitude. There is too much pressure on us wrt unwritten rules, testing, etc .... best to know straight up.