I know I will test positive for opioids. I plan on being honest , with my new employer, she said as long as I have a prescription I will be fine. I hope so. This is a hospital I will be working at will they do a more extensive test and make sure I'm taking the amount that I am supposed to? Sometimes I may take one or two more a day because of my pain level. Should I worry about this?
2007-03-21 02:54:17 · 9 answers · asked by luvinjbj 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
just to edit the question, there are days the arthritis pain in my coccyx is worse than others and this is why I may take one or more a day. Some days I dont take anything at all. It depends on the weather, if I'm sitting for long periods of time ect...This is a new job for me, and I am very excited about it, I just dont want this to ruin it.
2007-03-21 05:24:01 · update #1
OMG....some of you people have no compassion for a person in real pain. Let me start by saying that I personally am on Oxycontin & Oxycodone(percocet) and if not for these meds I would not be able to eat,sleep,talk or even work. I would be in bed all day in pain and collecting for the state which I refuse to do.
These meds although can be abused ,a person in real cronic pain 9 out of 10 times will not develop a problem...... dependant...yes... to live somewhat normal but not a full blown addiction.
And may I add that tolerence is an issue as well instead of 1 pill helping after while it will take 2 to help so I do not cast stone for someone who may take an extra pill here or there it get pain relief.
There is a difference between..addiction/tolerance and dependance a person's behaviors can say alot and taking 1 extra pill here and there doesn't make someone an addict so back of this chick a little and show some respect.
PS
I work in the healthcare field and have been on my meds for about 3 years and never once have I had any issues in work performance and never had any accidents because I am not as "doped up" as you may assume I would be.
My employer knows what I am on ,was honest from my first interview and after 2 1/2 years of working in the assisted living I am at .... if I am having a bad day with my osteoarthritis my supervisor can tell when I need to take a breakthorugh pill, yet she knows I avoid taking breakthrough meds at work unless it is really nessessary so she will pull me aside and tell me to take one or I can go home if I want. I can not afford to go home so I take one. Those of you saying nasty stuff really need to stop being "judge...jury & executioner" and until you walk in the shoes of a cronic pain patient you have no flipping idea about living with pain.
I am talking about pain that is a ... 10+... on a daily basis (without medication)...and gets down to a functionable... 3/4....(with medication) . Personally myself I would rather chance addiction and go to rehab oneday than to live my life in uncontrolled pain like I was for years because I was scared of asking for help. I would not wish my condition on my worse enemy....maybe my ex-hubby though (just kiddin)!
2007-03-21 05:44:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
For starters, if your pain level isn't relieved by the CORRECT dosage of your prescription why haven't you discussed this issue with your physician? He/she can easily LEGALLY increase the dosage or simply change the prescription. Overdosing on any medication, even Tylenol, can not only become addictive it can also kill you. I'm sure that you realize you have a problem. As far as extensive drug testing, if you were already employed there I am positive that the hospital could do extensive testing, especially if you had an on the job accident, made a major work error or a fellow employee reported you for possibly being intoxicated. Please, don't seek employment at a hospital nor any other medical setting until you have resolved this problem because your simple mistake could cost someone their life!!! If you think you need drug counseling many resources are available. God bless!
2007-03-21 10:49:55 · answer #2 · answered by teenybaby 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oxycodone you mean
No you will be o.k. if you can prove it was prescribed, Let them know which doctor is prescribing to you and give phone number if necassary. It's not your fault your in pain and your trying to do the right thing by getting back to work, They won't be able to tell if you over use because even poppy seeds from bread can mess with the results. Inform your doctor that on occassions you take more than one pill and may need a higher dosage and also inform him/her that they may recieve a phone call from the hospital in regards to your prescription. You'll be fine although becareful not to do anything silly because you may be watched for a while just in case. Good luck with job, damn i wish i had some oxycodone for recreational purposes, hope your pain gets better
2007-03-21 10:23:57 · answer #3 · answered by nightdreamer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work at a hospital also. I wouldn't want to work with anyone that is abusing opiods. I think you need to be honest with your doctor and tell them what you're doing. Taking more than needed whatever the reason tells me that either your dose isn't working, or you're getting high. Your doc needs to know so he can change your perscription. Many many people have accidentally OD"d on oxy whether accidental or purposefully. People on those drugs shouldn't be driving or working anywhere where people's lives depend on it. Even a housekeeper in the hospital needs to have their A game on, cause a slip up can lead to disasterous consequences. Do yourself and others a favor and fess up to your doctor!!!!
2007-03-21 10:01:26 · answer #4 · answered by nickname 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
They're not going to do a tox screen like they would on a patient. As long as you have something to explain what's showing up, your're fine. That's why alot of employers will ask you to bring them a list of the medications you're on -- even aspirin and such -- just so they're notified if anything shows up.
2007-03-21 10:04:49 · answer #5 · answered by Daria319 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should just get a letter from your doctor. He can right up why you are on it, and that you sometimes take 2 more than you are prescribed.
2007-03-21 09:58:48 · answer #6 · answered by Kris10 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't worry about it. As long as you upfront and honest they shouldn't do anything. If they have any questions tell them to call your doctor.
2007-03-21 09:58:58 · answer #7 · answered by scrow_80 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No
2007-03-21 09:57:24 · answer #8 · answered by rustybones 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't sweat it!
2007-03-21 09:59:22 · answer #9 · answered by wwhrd 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋