[Angelwngs25]

I called my clinic around 4:30 PM my time and I live in Phoenix, AZ. My Case Manager answered when they transferred me to her. She asked me if I'm ok. Then she said the people that work at the IOP program I left (because they wanted to drug test me for Oxycodone cuz they thought I was abusing it) were worried about me for some reason and kept asking about me. And other Case Managers were worried about me and she was worried about me. And the Psychiatrist is worried about me. Even though when I went in on the 17th of July he said I was called into my appointment twice and I kept telling him no...which I didn't do. And my Case Manager then said "Me and you are honest with each other right?" followed by "Are you doing drugs?" And then she asked me "Are you taking medications your doctor has discontinued?" What the f*** is wrong with people. I don't even look like I'm on drugs. I might be sleepy looking a lot but that's because of the really strong sleeping meds I take and the fact that I have 2 chronic pain diseases (Fibromyalgia and Lupus and still thinking maybe even MS *Multiple Sclerosis*). What the f*** is with people asking me if I'm doing drugs? And how do I get people (Program Director and Nurse and Psychiatrist) from an IOP program to stop talking about me behind my back?

[mazing]

Are you able to talk to your case manager about why they think that? What their exact worries are and why they think you are using drugs? If they can give specific examples you should then be able to explain the reasons (for example, if its because you always seem sleepy you can explain the meds and what you are taking to confirm everything is ok).

[~Christina]

Some people with mental health problems do over take medications or use street drugs. It sounds to me like that are just concerned .. I would take it as they care, they are worried about me and be glad, lots of people don't have anyone that will take the time to notice how they are doing and speak up, ask questions.

The easiest way to deal with this situation is explain that you are taking meds correctly and offer to take a drug test to prove your not using street drugs.

I know all there concern and questions upset you, But they are asking because they care.

Be grateful

[amandalouise]

ok so they asked you to do a drug test and you refused and left the program and then after leaving the program you called your case manager.

and now you are upset because everyone is worried about you and discussing you behind your back....

these people who are talking about you to each other are the treatment providers in the program you quit because you didnt want to take a drug test.

most IOP's have a termination process that includes the client signing papers saying they are leaving the program and that they are no longer responsible for that persons care. if you walked out with out doing the termination process then they are still legally considered your treatment providers and can legally continue to discuss you with each other.

my suggestion contact your treatment providers with the IOP and let them know you want to close your file/terminate with them officially. they will schedule an appointment where you can sit down, sign any papers needed to stop the program and the papers needed to stop then from talking about you with your present treatment provider\case manager. your case manager can also tell you how to officially terminate with the IOP if thats what you want to do.

how to get them off your back about the drugs issue... thats simple do the drug test. if you are not doing drugs then you have nothing to lose but everything to gain. the test saying you are not doing drugs will be all the proof they need.

They are within their rights to ask you to take a simple drug test in order to comply with their program. Take the test so they can be sure they are treating you correctly and safely. Shouldn't be a problem if you aren't using/abusing drugs. If you don't wish to comply with their requirements, then you can leave their program. If this is related to your illnesses (I thought those hadn't been all officially diagnosed, that those are your own self-diagnoses), you could also have your treatment team consult with the specialist who are working with you for those chronic illnesses to explain how those symptoms may be presenting themselves.

[eeyorestail]

While I was in PHP they required me to take a drug test and I have no history of drug use. It's common procedure.

[lindamine]

what amandalouise said is exactly right. If you want them to stop talking about you then you need to go in there and properly "quit'. And what's the big deal about a drug test. Is very common for an IOP to be doing this. They have to be sure what they prescribe wont have any problems with what you are taking. I am guessing that you must have taken something, given that you freaked out about a drug test. I hope I am wrong, but that is what one would assume when they get the type of reaction you gave. Just sayin'.

Anyhow, bottom line, unless you succumb to their requirements you will not be allowed in their program. If you were registered for this, you obviously needed help and would be a shame to miss out on an opportunity to get better.

Think about it.
Hope you are ok.
Linda

[cakeladie]

Most doctors who prescribe oxycodone are required to get a urine sample from their patients. Also oxycodone is one of the most abused drugs there is.

If you have nothing to hide take the test.

[Eternitiy13]

My question is, if you are being treated for these other issues, did you not disclose other prescriptions that you have for these illnesses? From what you have said, it doesn't sound like you did.
You must know that it is imperative that all of your providers be aware of ALL prescriptions you are taking. If not, that is an interaction waiting to happen.

[Angelwngs25]

Originally Posted by lolagrace

They are within their rights to ask you to take a simple drug test in order to comply with their program. Take the test so they can be sure they are treating you correctly and safely. Shouldn't be a problem if you aren't using/abusing drugs. If you don't wish to comply with their requirements, then you can leave their program. If this is related to your illnesses (I thought those hadn't been all officially diagnosed, that those are your own self-diagnoses), you could also have your treatment team consult with the specialist who are working with you for those chronic illnesses to explain how those symptoms may be presenting themselves.

Before you spew bull$hit maybe you should get your facts straight. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and my Rheumatologist told me he thinks I have Lupus he just won't officially diagnose me.

[Angelwngs25]

Originally Posted by Eternitiy13

My question is, if you are being treated for these other issues, did you not disclose other prescriptions that you have for these illnesses? From what you have said, it doesn't sound like you did.
You must know that it is imperative that all of your providers be aware of ALL prescriptions you are taking. If not, that is an interaction waiting to happen.

I told them all the meds I take. I told them the Plaquenil I take for my Lupus my doctor says he thinks I have and I don't take meds for Fibromyalgia because the last time I tried to get meds for it when I was just on Medicaid and my insurance wouldn't cover it and now that I have 2 different insurances I haven't asked for meds to treat it. I am saying you need to get your facts straight before you start spewing $hit that you don't know. I told them about the one med that is treating my Lupus my doctor suspects and I don't take meds for my Fibromyalgia as I just said. So do me a favor and stop jumping to conclusions.

Originally Posted by Angelwngs25

Before you spew bull$hit maybe you should get your facts straight. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and my Rheumatologist told me he thinks I have Lupus he just won't officially diagnose me.

That's all I said. I said that they hadn't all been officially diagnosed. You just replied saying the same thing I said, so I'm not sure how that warrants cursing at me.

What about the other concerns most of us have posted in response to your original post?

[Angelwngs25]

Originally Posted by lolagrace

That's all I said. I said that they hadn't all been officially diagnosed. You just replied saying the same thing I said, so I'm not sure how that warrants cursing at me.

What about the other concerns most of us have posted in response to your original post?

They have all been officially diagnosed in my eyes. Just because the Lupus isn't officially in my file doesn't mean my doctor doesn't believe I have it. And the Fibromyalgia is officially diagnosed and it's in my file. It was diagnosed by a previous Rheumatologist.

Originally Posted by Angelwngs25

They have all been officially diagnosed in my eyes. Just because the Lupus isn't officially in my file doesn't mean my doctor doesn't believe I have it. And the Fibromyalgia is officially diagnosed and it's in my file. It was diagnosed by a previous Rheumatologist.

Again, that is what I said. I realize that.

Now back to your original post about the drug testing . . . Do you understand what so many of us have told you about routine drug testing for programs? They have to ask. They have to test. They have protocols they have to follow. In fact, to not ask those questions would be unprofessional of them.

Look, I have a husband who has lived with as serious degenerative neurological pain disorder now for 30 years. He completely understands that they have to do drug tests, etc. for liability purposes, even when they know him pretty well and are pretty certain he isn't abusing his meds for his diagnosed pain disorder. The fact is, med abuse can be a real problem in the treatment of pain disorders, so they are going to keep an eye on that. You might as well get used to those questions and the testing that goes with it; it will be a very routine part of any treatment you undergo.

[Angelwngs25]

While I'm currently thinking straight, I am going to say I am sorry for snapping at people. I am currently either Hypomanic or just straight Manic. My friend who has Bipolar Disorder believes I'm more Hypomanic.

[lindamine]

Originally Posted by Angelwngs25

Before you spew bull$hit maybe you should get your facts straight. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and my Rheumatologist told me he thinks I have Lupus he just won't officially diagnose me.

Angel....maybe you can get your Dr. to document your illness oficially so you wont run in to any problems at IOP. Then everything would be legit.Have you taken anything that would come up on urine test?

[cakeladie]

Regardless if you have fibro or not most docs who prescribe pain meds for this dx would be a rhemy. Those drugs are highly regulated. Doctors are more and more reluctant to give them out.

But yelling at the people on this forum is not right people come here for help and they do not have to respond to your post but they do to help you and how do you pay them back? You curse at them that's not right no matter what issues you have.

[*Laurie*]

I'm somewhat on the fence about the whole drug testing thing. Since when did medical professionals blur into law enforcement? It seems to me that any adult deemed competent should be responsible for the medication, whether prescribed or self-medicating, s/he takes.

I have never self-medicated in any way, so maybe I'm naive but....seems like the whole anti drug abuse thing is a lot more about politics than it is about practicing good medicine. And, as most of us know, a medication that is 'the latest designed med' today can suddenly become the scourge of the medical profession tomorrow (witness benzos).

However, if I was asked by my MD, case worker, etc. to take a drug test I would comply just to prove cooperation.

[Nammu]

You sound very defensive for such a routine question. Mania can do that, make as paranoid about even the smallest things. If you are in some form of mania that is probably why they are so concerned about you.

[cakeladie]

These strong pain meds are easily sold and abused. A lot of pharmacys will not even fill a prescription for oxycodone.

Fibro is a disease that is very hard to dx and can be faked. So doctors have been hoodwinked so to speak in the past so now they are being held accountable for prescriptions they give out. If they are going to be accountable then so is the patients hence the drug tests.

I have been in the doctors office where I have overheard conversations where someone is trying to get more pain meds. They claimed this pain med didn't work so can they prescribe something else and the nurse said bring in the other prescription and we will give you something else and that person said she could not because since they did not work she got rid of them.

Everyone needs to be held accountable and check and balance systems need to be in place

They have to check. One of my vivid difficult memories growing up was of my grandmother who did have legitimate pain issues but who didn't communicate to all of her various doctors what all of her prescriptions were. I don't think she was drug-seeking, as much as she just didn't think to do so. Well, she was having a knee replacement surgery and didn't tell her doctors all the needed information, she wasn't given all of her usual pain meds in the hospital because they had no idea, and she went into severe withdrawals. I was about 13 and walked into her hospital room to find her in a raging psychotic break. After that incident, we knew we had to go to her appointments with her and be sure all of her information was given to all of her doctors; we just didn't realize the need to do so previous to that. We had no idea what was going on.

I suspect this is a very common scenario where people don't give their doctors all of the information for whatever reason, and it can result it in very dangerous situations.

They have to monitor what is going on. They have to figure out if what they are seeing in a patient's behaviors is a psychiatric issue, an illness issue, a med issue. Oftentimes even the patients don't realize what is causing what. So drug testing is a necessity, even in patients with legitimate pain issues.

[amandalouise]

angetwings you said in a post above...

They have all been officially diagnosed in my eyes. Just because the Lupus isn't officially in my file doesn't mean my doctor doesn't believe I have it. And the Fibromyalgia is officially diagnosed and it's in my file. It was diagnosed by a previous Rheumatologist.

just a bit of information you may not be aware of...

being diagnosed means its on the files.

anyone can believe they have anything, and any doctors can believe the person has something and thats ok.

I believe I have rhumatoid arthritis, my doctors say yes thats a possibility lets treat you for it. but its not on my files. why because I have not undergone all the diagnostic tests and the doctor has not placed it on my files.

what that means if if I tell people I have been diagnosed with this they can say no you havent, no matter how much I believe it and no matter how much my doctors believe I have it. I have not been diagnosed with it because I have not gone through the tests and its not on the list of what my diagnosis's are in my treatment files.

line in the sand right now its not a diagnosis its an ....assumption...with me, my treatment providers and legally.

now lets put this back in context of what you posted...you stated your doctors have not put it in the files but you believe and they believe you have these other mental and physical health problems...

guess what you can make these beliefs/assumptions that you and your treatment providers have about this into a diagnosis. example for lupus all you need to do is take a blood test. that will tell you and your doctors whether you have it or not. then it will be a diagnosis, not just a believe I have it kind of thing with you and your doctors.

hey heres a suggestion the program wants you to take a drug test right. well theres all kinds of drug tests. you can contact your treatment providers and tell them to add a test for lupus to a drug test that is done by blood work. or the next time you have to have blood work done to keep track of your medications ask them to test for lupus at the same time. one test and two things done at the same time.

Lupus diagnosis is not achieved by one simple blood test.

[cakeladie]

Originally Posted by amandalouise

angetwings you said in a post above...

They have all been officially diagnosed in my eyes. Just because the Lupus isn't officially in my file doesn't mean my doctor doesn't believe I have it. And the Fibromyalgia is officially diagnosed and it's in my file. It was diagnosed by a previous Rheumatologist.

just a bit of information you may not be aware of...

being diagnosed means its on the files.

anyone can believe they have anything, and any doctors can believe the person has something and thats ok.

I believe I have rhumatoid arthritis, my doctors say yes thats a possibility lets treat you for it. but its not on my files. why because I have not undergone all the diagnostic tests and the doctor has not placed it on my files.

what that means if if I tell people I have been diagnosed with this they can say no you havent, no matter how much I believe it and no matter how much my doctors believe I have it. I have not been diagnosed with it because I have not gone through the tests and its not on the list of what my diagnosis's are in my treatment files.

line in the sand right now its not a diagnosis its an ....assumption...with me, my treatment providers and legally.

now lets put this back in context of what you posted...you stated your doctors have not put it in the files but you believe and they believe you have these other mental and physical health problems...

guess what you can make these beliefs/assumptions that you and your treatment providers have about this into a diagnosis. example for lupus all you need to do is take a blood test. that will tell you and your doctors whether you have it or not. then it will be a diagnosis, not just a believe I have it kind of thing with you and your doctors.

hey heres a suggestion the program wants you to take a drug test right. well theres all kinds of drug tests. you can contact your treatment providers and tell them to add a test for lupus to a drug test that is done by blood work. or the next time you have to have blood work done to keep track of your medications ask them to test for lupus at the same time. one test and two things done at the same time.

I mean you no disrespect Amandalouise, but being diagnosed with lupus is not that simple. There is not one test that they can give you that says "you have lupus". Lupus runs in my family. I have it my sister has it and my daughter has it. It can take years to get a lupus dx. One test they do is an ANA but even if that comes up positive it does not mean you have lupus. My ANA goes from positive to negative back to positive. It takes a lot to get a lupus dx and you really do not want it . Lupus has hit just about every organ I have and it's no fun either is fibro. If your doctor truly thinks you have fibro they would be trying to find you some relief.

You Angelwngs seem to jump from one dx to the next and if someone questions you about it you fly off the handle. This is a place to come and share information and to get support. No one wants to be yelled at or called names.

[Lord protector]

It seems entirely appropriate to drug screen any individual with multiple diagnoses, multiple medications, and an aggressive and paranoid approach to being questioned.

They want to make sure they have as clear a picture as possible of what is going on.