Blood Tests

[Seedy]

I've recently been getting pretty bad insomnia & rls, stress related I think, not w/d's. I've been to the doctor a few times, each tmie getting a prescription and advised to get a blood test. each time I've avoided the test because I'm pretty wimpy when it comes to needles and because I want to hide my addiction.

This time, to my horror, the nurse took me aside before my appointment and gave me the test. I'm pretty sure it's just testing for vitamin/mineral deficiencies but is there a chance they'll test for drugs as well? Needless to say I'm a bit freaked out. I have a follow up appointment in just over a week when all will be revealed.

[Woods]

If it’s set up anything like here, they’ll give you a form to take to a medical services place to get your blood tests, and you’ll see every test they’re going to do on the form. Also, even if they do drug tests, they can’t legally disclose the results to anyone but you doc, who can’t legally disclose the results to anyone without your consent.

You should get the blood tests, it’s especially important if you’re a drug user to make sure everything’s working well enough, especially liver function and such.

I got a blood test a while ago and they discovered that there’s something wrong with my thyroid. They did two other tests, getting the results back soon. This might be aggravating my anxiety and causing some of the physical discomfort that I feel, both things which are factors in my drug use. Maybe if I can correct this, it’ll help me stay on mmt without going back to morphine and dilaudid or at least doing it less often, helping me get the carries that I need to be able to go camping, and generally give my life a higher degree of flexibility.

So basically, for all those reasons and more, I’d say there’s no reason not to get whatever tests your doctor suggests, and every reason to go through with them. It’s your health man, your health. And as for the needle, I’ve been stuck many times over the last couple months for all kinds of tests, and I hate needles as much as anyone. Just look away and it’ll be alright, they know what they’re doing and they’re not going to hurt you. Just a little pin prick, just make sure to apply constant pressure to prevent bruising afterwards.

[Seedy]

^^
Thanks, had the test, wasn't so bad I've been avoiding it mostly out of paranoia. I did have the sheet of papr listing what they were testing for - no drugs but considering my symptoms I would suspect w\d's - rls & insomnia.When my doc asked me about drugs I only mentioned the occasional weed. Awaiting results.

[candy]

I've recently been getting pretty bad insomnia & rls, stress related I think, not w/d's. I've been to the doctor a few times, each tmie getting a prescription and advised to get a blood test. each time I've avoided the test because I'm pretty wimpy when it comes to needles and because I want to hide my addiction.

This time, to my horror, the nurse took me aside before my appointment and gave me the test. I'm pretty sure it's just testing for vitamin/mineral deficiencies but is there a chance they'll test for drugs as well? Needless to say I'm a bit freaked out. I have a follow up appointment in just over a week when all will be revealed.




I never did respond, sorry! But, I think what you are experiencing is related to your use of opiates. I may be wrong, but I am going to say it is related to your use of opiates. You don't have to be in w/d's to experience those symptoms and many people I know who use opiates have insomnia and other related signs of what your experiencing.

And....NO, your doc cannot test you without you signing consent to test for drugs!