Negative urine and blood tests

[bobjosie]

Hi everyone.  I've read through posts, going way back in time, about neg urine/blood tests with narcotics not showing up.

Yes, I'm one of "those folks".

I have chronic neck and head pain, due to Occiptal Neuralgia, and was seeing a Neuro last year, who I have been being followed by for about 20 years for Migraines.  He was great....until he dumped me, then quit, and "suddenly retired".  

I was told to do a urine test, of which I did, right downstairs at the lab from his office, back in August.

Long story short, the lab lost my urine AND my slip, so nothing was found.

The Neuro dumped me, saying I breached my "contract".  He knew me, and knew me well (so I thought), but it didn't matter.  I was basically laughed at my Upper Management when I had to find out that he wasn't seeing me any more, after multiple phone calls, e-mails, etc, with no response.  

He had me taking Hydrocodone 10/325 4x day as needed for pain, as well as Flexeral 10 mg., I was also taking Fioricet, prescribed by my PCP for migraine.  I was also seeing his Pain Mgmt Neuro, thru the practice (practice is huge), who I liked, but since getting booted to the curb, I haven't gone back to that office, as it really put a bad taste in my mouth with how I was treated there.  

He had me out of work for a few weeks when I first had my flare, 1/15, I went back, and was back out again, this past June of '15.  I have since lost my job over this, and cannot work at this time, due to severe, daily pain, that is NOT manageable, and I HATE it.

Moving forward, I was back/forth to PCP, who prescribed them, then when the "new" Opiate reg's came into play, there was a big "no no" and they wouldn't do it, but if I signed a contract, and passed my tests, they would.  I had no problem, I had nothing to hide.

They did the urine test...NEGATIVE for Hydrocodone, positive for Flexeral and Ativan (I do take that as needed).

Again, accusations, and I was viewed as a liar.

I did my own research, and found, that some Gastric Bypass patients, don't absorb all med's (I knew of this, but never crossed my mind for pain stuff, as I never really took any), and sent to my PCP and Pain Mgmt.  

They agreed to have me switch to Butran's Patch, 5mcg/hr, once a week.  

1 month later I was seen at Pain Mgmt.  They did a urine screen...NEGATIVE again.

Pain Mgmt refused to prescribe because of this, but did Occipital Nerve Injections, x2 (2nd just recently).

During this time, I went back to PCP, and had them take a blood test.  NEGATIVE for that too.  WHY!?!?

Pain Mgmt just recently did a DNA/Genetic test on me, to see if I was metabolizing too quickly, which could cause this to happen.  I'm not.  There is one med I take (Topamax), that could contridict with the Butran's, making it "unreadable", but still doesn't explain the Oxycodone.

Needless to say, I have gone as far as telling them to implant a freaking pain implant device in me, so they put whatever it is in it they monitor, but they won't.  I have asked for hair tests...they won't.  Nobody will do anything, and I'm beyond bs.

During my last injection (almost 2 wks ago), I had significant pain, had to go back to PM, and they have prescribed Hydrocodone 3/325 1x day for breakthrough pain.  Problem is, I have pain ALL THE TIME, so taking one of those, honestly, is like taking a tic-tac.

I'm hoping someone out here, can help me, perhaps, finding a Dr. who can explain or find out WHY it's not showing, and how I can prove to them I follow orders?

Trust me, if taking a tylenol would work, I'd be gladly taking this, to get my life back.

I hate being out of work, drives me insane.

Any input?

[Belle313]

I'm also sorry to hear of your situation. It's awful when PM patients are kicked to the curb like you were. I really empathize with you. When I started seeing my current PM doc his office made a mistake on my prescriptions. When I called and tried to straighten it out they thought I was asking for additional meds and didn't pay attention to what I was trying to explain. I was told they would no longer see me and they were cutting me off. I had worked with this doctor for 10 yrs in the OR before I was disabled. Needless to say, he knew that I was an honest person but he wouldn't take my calls or even hear me out. I had to have someone hand carry a letter (to him explaining myself) because his office wouldn't let me talk to him. The very next day I received a written apology for his office error and he agreed to continue seeing me.  If you feel that your situation could be resolved if your doc would only listen then I would attempt to do the same as I did. If you don't have anyone to hand carry a letter in (someone the office wouldn't associate you with and not give him the letter) I would send the letter certified receipt (minus your name on the envelope) and see what happens. I've heard of false negative testing but don't know anything about why or how it happens. If he's not willing to work with you to resolve this then it's in your best interest to find another doctor. I want to wish you the best and hope your able to get some relief from the pain soon!

[gloryrose]

I have had urine tests come back negative as well, even though there were substances in my system. No clue why, but it happened.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Bobjosie,

Welcome to our Pain Management Community. I am so sorry to hear about your pain and situation.

I too have researched the reasons for false negative UDT (Urinary Drug Tests) and come up with very little information. The newest UDT are said to be 99% accurate. The variables are usually human error. I don't quite buy this 99%. There are too many of "you". Honest Chronic Pain Patients test false negative with no explanations. I wish I knew.

Yes gastric by-pass or patients - or patients with Dumping Syndrome don't always test accurately. This is rarely taken into consideration - though that was considered in your situation.

I wish I had a good answer for you - I don't. I do believe you and believe that there is some reasons for your inaccurate UDT results. I just don't know it - not does medical science as of yet.

If you consult an Interventional PMP (also known as a Shot Jock) he/she may be willing to implant a Pain Pump - or other device that may help your pain.

I wish you the best and hope you'll keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. We'll look forward to your updates and input.

Take Care My friend in Pain,
~Tuck