Drug test

[Gizmo1972]

I have seen on here where a lot of you have to take drug test at doctors visits, I have been going to pm doctor since December of 2008, and never have had a drug test. Just wondering what the deal is?

[Gizmo1972]

Oh they are nothing like the ones you have before your baby, they are great, I have one tomorrow, I guess I am looking forward to it, cause it helps so much, they put me to sleep, the twilight sleep, quick to wake up from, and I am in and out in about 2 hrs or less, and really good for a while, they are a lifesaver!!! I have a copayment also, but they let me make payments, it is worth it to me, my life is sooo much better!!!!!!!

[trixy71]

I think it probably depends on how paranoid a doctor is LOL.

I haven't done any injections. Honestly, I'm scared sh*tless to. I've had one, the day i went into labor and had a c-section (23 years ago) and I've had headaches ever since. But also, my insurance doesn't cover the cost 100% so I really can't afford them at the moment. Luckily they haven't forced me to.

The NP that I see for regular visits told me to think about having a few facet injections then the RFA and I had to remind her about the insurance issue. She was real nice about it. Although, I will have to do them eventually if my pain meds stop working or I develop a tolerance that would require an increase. Right now, I'm just on Percocet 10/325, baclofen 10mg and Ibuprofen 800mg, all three times a day. I've been on this regimen for 18 months so far and so far so good (knock on wood) although I do get flair ups that can be pretty bad, just like everyone does at some point. 8-)

[Gizmo1972]

Not worried, just wondering why my doctor doesn't, maybe it's the meds I take. Thanks for your comments, do you do the injections? The injections are a life saver for me !!!!!!!

[trixy71]

Hi Gizmo, basically they use it to measure the amount of meds in your system to make sure that your taking the meds they prescribe and to make sure your not taking any pain meds that they didn't prescribe and to make sure sure your not taking any illegal substances. Its pretty standard in a lot of PM offices. For example, in my PM office, i was required to take one at my initial visit, my second visit and then random as they see fit. I think I've had maybe 5 total in the year and a half that I've been in PM. Like I said, its pretty routine, nothing to worry about.