Drug Testing Question

[gottaknow50]

I have taken OxyCodone (Percocet) for the last few years due to pain from breast cancer surgeries.  I take 2 oxycodone in the a.m usually 7am 5/325. Then 2 again in the evening prior to bed. I also take morphine at the same time. The issue is this, I took a drug test, by my doctor, the test came out negative. Test taken at 2pm. I did not miss any doses and I did take my morning dose. Can anyone tell me why.

[Weathergirl21]

Thank you for explaining in more detail...It does sound like things were much more complicated and then the errors that happened..I hope you are able to sue the Dr. for damages!!!

Hopefully with all of this you are in remission from cancer??

That's good that you are seeing the Dr. tomorrow...One more question...I'm assuming this was just the urine test that is done by dip stick in the office? Those are very unreliable...

Because the ones that are extremely sophisticated that are done by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectometry that are pretty much 99.9% effective. So I would definitely request this kind of test or an actual blood test. Either one of these should be done as I mentioned, after you take the medicine in front of the Dr.

Also..I would talk with your Dr. about being on an actual nerve pain medication in addition to the opiates to help with your pain.

Again...thanks for giving more information and I pray that you are cancer free!

[gottaknow50]

A bit of backround info so you can understand pain issue. I have had 7 surgeries in the last 2 1/2 years including 2 lumpectomies, Bi-lateral mastectomy and Diep flat. The last surgery was a 16 hour reconstruction surgery,Diep flat, on March 26, 2012. I am having contouring done, August 3 and nipple and areola reconstruction (date to be determined.)  So you see things are not over yet. Pain is still an issue thus the reason for meds.
There is nerve damage in my upper chest due to breast doctor leaving implement behind after skin sparing mastectomy, they had to go in remove implement then take the sparred skin due to neucrosis of the skin and tissue. This surgery had to be done twice, due to having a really bad surgeon. That is a different issue not being treated by pain medication.
Morphine dosage is 15mg, 1 pill AM meds, 2 pills pm meds. I have titrated down to 4 oxycodone per day, 2 morning and 2 evening, Prescribed dosage was 2 every 4 hours.
Having breast cancer sucked, having extensive issues due to a bad surgeon is worse.
And he is one of the highest ranking breast doctors in New England (BI Hospital). GO FIGURE!!!
I spoke to Dr this morning after reading a research paper online (I scoured the interenet because I was going crazy about the negative test) and I am going back in to see her tomorrow.
Thank you for your info, it is appreciated

[Weathergirl21]

I'm curious on what the Dr. is treating you for? It's unusual to continue to have pain after those type of surgeries. I have quite a few friends who are cancer free now and they have had lumpectomies, mastectomies, and even reconstructive surgeries...and none of them still had pain after a few months out...

If there is nerve damage...then the narcotics do not work on that type of pain...But there are actual nerve pain meds like Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin which are extremely effective.

So...I would be getting answers from the Dr. on why you still have pain that is so strong to need heavy narcotics. That should not be happening...

To the other question...what dosage is the Morphine? Is it ER (extended release) or IR (immediate release)?

It could be that your metabolism is fast and processes the medicine quickly out of your blood stream...

I would ask to have a morning appt. with your DR. and then come in with your prescriptions in their bottles...Have them watch you take the medication...and then take the test again after a few hours. This way, if it comes up negative again they will be able to determine why.

Good luck...