false negative for morphine but false positive for vicodin!!

[precious_woman]

I am really glad that I found this forum...I am currently in as state of shock over what just took place at my own pain management doctors office. I have herniated lumbar discs which have also caused nerve damage, degenerative disc disease and buldging cervical discs. I have been on morphine for about 4 years, extended release and instant release. Last month the doctor gave ALL patients a urine test and when I got there today he said "we have a problem"...I was shocked and asked "what?" He said "the results of your urinalysis are in and they came back negative for morphine and positive for vicodin, I can only write you one months prescription and you will have to find another pain management doctor"... I was shocked!! I said "No way.. there is a mistake!!! I take my morphine like clockwork!! Every 12 hours!! I get home from filling my prescriptions and I take out 4 seven day pill containers and label them with each date... I put each days dose in each date and they go into a lockbox. I have not and did not take any vicodin!!" I insisted he retest me. I know there is a mistake. He said "no, it's a $900 test" he also added "the problem is not with finding the vicodin but with the morphine coming back negative"... HOW?? I insisted to him that the lab must have transposed the two drugs... but he refused to retest me and has now released me from his care!!! Does anyone know how this could happen?? I always, always take my morphine as prescribed!! I did NOT take any vicodin because it violates my contract that I have with him!! (as well as I don't have it nor do I like it!!) I don't know what to do! I even had a tooth extracted a week before that urinalysis and did NOT accept any pain meds from the dentist because it would have violated my contract with him!! The only other things I have taken are fioricet which is prescribed by him for migraines,  "benadryl" which he told me to take every night because I never get a full nights sleep due to the pain. Also "Orajel and anbesol" for the tooth extraction pain. I am also a large coca-cola drinker!! I am literally in a state of shock because I know these results are wrong!! any help would greatly be appreciated!!!

[Trw78troy]

I know just how you feel, I have been seeing my PM doctor for 2 yrs and now I got a letter saying that he could no longer write my pain meds due to fact that I didn't honor the terms of the controlled substance agreement. I love this doctor because he is not only my doc but my kids and wife as well, and he actually made me feel like he cared about my quality of life and not just the dollar signs. Tommorow is my last visit and I will be without my meds and don't know what I am going to do. In my urine analysis it said that my oxycodone didn't show up and I don't understand, although I had ran out early becuase it doesn't seem to work anymore, but I have never had an issue with this before until now.         Frustrated and Unsure about the future.

[bigspring]

I have two degenerative discs and one slipped disc.  I have been seeing a pain managment Dr for three and taking morphine sulfate long lasting and quick release for three years and seen every nuero surgeon he recommend mo one will do surgery because of the location .  Monday I had my monthly appointment and his new nurse had me take a ua no big deal.  The doctor told me he won't see me anymore because no drugs showed up on my ua.  What happened I am still in shock and depressed now and I took everything four times a day everyday for three years what happened what do I do now??? Scared..depressed... and in pain

[Mollyrae]

It's always wonderful to hear of members updates after a long break. I am very happy that you've found new pain management. It is so important for us to have a good support system.

I was able to take a break from opitaes and regain my ability for the meds to actually work at a lower dose. I never thought I could do it but I did. I can now take a 15mg Oxycodone and that alone will work for me.

I doubt that I will ever use the Fentanyl Patch again.

Well, I am glad that you're ok. Nice hearing form you.
My best,
Mollyrae

[confused_42164]

I would sue the doctor. Not on the grounds of dumping you as a pain patient, but on the grounds that he allowed your reputation to be scarred through unclean testing. I would sue just to get his name on the lawsuit and get it said, I would not even care if I won. But while you may not have recourse to get reinstated in his office, you should surely have recourse to false information in your medical file. This information in your file can tarnish every emergency room visit you ever take. Not to mention give you some serious trouble at the pharmacy
If you had a toxicologist backing you up, I would say things would come around pretty fast.

This is beyond ridiculous. This person had no right to not listen to you. I know that you wanted to remain a patient but beyond that there should be human respect for a long standing patient

[precious_woman]

Thank you so much Tuckamore,
Your post brought tears to my eyes after yet another long night with dad! I know that I will have no regrets when he does pass... I couldn't have done more for him than I am doing now! Even his own doctor said that he looks better than he has in 10 years! Amazing for someone who was sent home to die!
I will definately check out the caregivers forum!! After his morning meds and insulin shot, my mom cares for him for a few hours while I nap, however she is 79 and I have noticed her slip with things here and there....3 times now I have found 1 of her pills on the floor, her hearing is going and she can barely walk!
I know it took me a while to find another understanding doctor... and although he is also in the process of switching practices I managed to get the new doctor to understand that if I am not functional... then there is no one to care for my father and I am functional on morphine. Now he just asks me how my father is doing! Its a really hard shock to ones system and ego when that false negative comes back and the doctor who you had all your faith in treats you like you have done something wrong!! BUT there is hope.
Have a great day and thanks!
precious

[Tuckamore]

Thank you so much precious-woman for your updates. So often we never hear the end of the story. I am glad that yours eventually had a happy ending.

There is also a Caregivers Forum on Medhelp that you may find helpful. I am also the Community Leader there.

I truly understand the challenges and rewards of caregiving. For eight years I cared for my father until he passed a few months ago at the age of 81. I know how difficult it is to watch you dad deteriorate. It tears at you heart. Rest assured that you are giving your father a very wonderful gift. You'll never be sorry. Hug him every chance you get...and don't miss an opportunity to tell him how much you love him and what a great father he has been. You'll never regret that either.

I hope you'll stop back again.

Blessings,
~Tuck