Failing a drug test after you've filled a script.

[lowerbackhell]

I have serious lower back issues and have been on Hyrdocodone 10/325 for several years now. I don't go to a PM Doctor, just a regular MD. I don't have insurance so my Dr. won't even bother referring me, which is fine. I go into the office every 3 Months for regular checkups (not just back issues, also blood pressure, ect) and each time they give me a hard copy of my script and then, before I leave, I do a urine test. I have never failed a test so it's never been an issue. I ran out of my meds a few days before going in this last time and a friend at work who knows my situation gave me a couple Percocets to get me through. I know these are different than the Vicodin but when you're hurting, you will do almost anything to stop or at least relieve the pain. This last time, they wrote me the script and I did the urine test and I left. I filled the script and went about my life. A week later I got a letter from the Doctors office telling me I tested positive for a substance they didn't prescribe and therefore they would not write me anymore scripts in the future, ect. They didn't say anything about canceling the script or anything else, it was actually a pretty amicable letter all in all, just that they would not be able to write anymore scripts for pain meds. My question is this: I have the script they wrote and it has 2 refills on it like always to get me through to the next time I go in, in 2 1/2 months. Since I already have the script, will they cancel it at the pharm or will they let it go but just not write anymore in the future? I know I screwed up and I am willing to deal with the consequences but I will have to find another Doctor or something, because I may have been dumb but that doesn't magically cure my back. I'm wondering how much time I have to do that. If they let the script stand since it's already been filled, it gives me a couple of months to do what I have to do.

[shinty]

Nursegirl6572 gave you excellent advice. I just want you to know that there are rehabs around that don't cost anything, even with state insurance plans. It might be a wait in order to get in, but they are out there. There are a lot of outpatient clinics that may be able to help you also. The outpatient method should help you to keep your job and get help at the same time. You shouldn't be in any danger coming off the dosages of opiates that you are/were on, as long as you are otherwise generally healthy, so don't worry  too much about that. Finally, as nursegirl6572 stated, the addiction forum is very informative and helpful on this website. Good luck to you, I hope all works out for you.
              shinty

[lowerbackhell]

Thank you for your kind and considered response. I have been on the Hydrocodone for about six-years. First with the 5/500 then moved to the 7.5/500 and finally to the 10/500 and then about a year ago they reduced the tylonol and moved me to the Norco 10/325. It's funny, about 10 years ago I went through a divorce and up to that point I had smoked weed maybe a dozen times in my life. After the divorce I started smoking weed and I smoked every single day for 2 1/2 years straight. One day I woke up, realized I was out of smoke and rather than buy more, I just stopped dead. I haven't smoked since and haven't missed it at all. It was like a weird phase I went through. I've always had stomache issues and I have GURD, so I've never been a drinker. It always hurt too much and I never developed a taste. I know of course that this is irrelevent. After six-years of constant use, I have zero doubt that I have a dependency on them. The question I have now, after being on a strong opiate for that long and then stopping, beyond the obvious withdrawl, could I be in actual danger? How will a body respond to that? I'm curious about it because I know that I just can't go on taking these things for the rest of my life, whether I was cut-off or not. I also know that, being without insurance and living paycheck to paycheck, there is no way I can pack my bags and go to a $1,000 a week rehab either. The places like Promises and the like look great...better than my best vacation or honeymoon, but I'm not in any kind of position to pay that or, honestly, to go away anywhere. If I leave to go to rehab, my job will not be there when I get back. I'm just looking at all my options at this point. Sorry to just dump this all on you and the boards here but it's not something you can just bring up at lunch with friends.

[nursegirl6572]

I'm sorry you deal with chronic pain.

Yes, unfortunately, you did screw up.  Hopefully this is a good lesson about not self medicating or taking things you aren't prescribed to you.  If you need the medications, you simply cannot do anything to jeopardize that.  Plus, that adds to the challenges that chronic pain pts face every day.  I'm sure you're already aware of that.

Most likely, the doctor won't cancel the script, but you won't know for sure until you try to get it filled.  My advice would be to use the smallest amount possible while you look for another doctor.   You COULD try to ask if your doc would see you and just get real with him, be 100% honest and tell him you messed up and would like another chance.  Tell him you would be glad to meet any requirements he places on you.  It's worth giving it a try, you never know, maybe he will give you a second chance.

If he doesn't take you back, be prepared to have a rough time finding a doc, as they're going to want copies of your medical record, and the dismissal from your last doc will be documented.  People don't think of just how far reaching the consequences can be, rather than deal with the pain the RIGHT way by calling the doc, they self medicate, and then it follows them.  Chronic pain patients are forever under the microscope because of the serious abuse of prescription pain meds.  Taking meds that aren't Rx'ed to you from a friend actually contributes to that problem, that's called diversion.

It's just SO important that you're always honest about what you're doing and what you're taking and PLEASE be cautious with these meds.  People end up with an addiction problem all the time, starting with an innocent prescribed medication.  You accepting opiates from a friend kind of throws up a red flag too that you might have some addictive tendencies.  Just be very careful and if you DO feel you may have an addiction problem (not just being dependent), then you would want to address that right away as addiction is only progressive.

Start calling around for a new doctor and my advice is to be honest with everyone about what you did.  Honesty is the best policy.  If you try to make excuses, or make up stories, it's going to put up even more red flags.

Very best to you, I hope you are able to find some solutions for your pain!  Please understand that none of my reply is meant to be judgemental, I'm just being straight with you.  It's refreshing that you were honest here about messing up and admitting that you didn't make the best decision.

If you need it, we have a great addiction forum with awesome people there who would help you on top of the pain folks here.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Addiction-Substance-Abuse/show/77

Take care!