Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 10/7/2009

Question
I had a gastric bypass in 2005.  Shortly thereafter I developed severe back pain and have been treated by a pain doctor since then.  A couple of months ago they sent me for a UDS which came back negative.  I was so upset.  I have been on Lortab 7.5 mg 5 times a day, Fentanyl patches 50 Mcg change every 2 days, as well as Ativan %26 Restoril.  I thought maybe they did not have the correct urine.  In the meantime my pain doctor discharged me.  I, on my own, went and had a hair strand analysis.  It also came up negative.  What is going on????  I know I took my medicine and received relief from back pain with it.  Please let me know what is going on.  Is my gastric bypass interfering with the test?  Do I have some kind of kidney disease???  Need help really bad.

Look forward to hearing from you.  Thank you for your time in this matter.

Sincerely,

Angie Stowe
Anderson, SC

Answer
Hi Angie,
There is nothing wrong with you. What is wrong is the drug test. They are either inaccurate or badly done. There are many people in the US suffering due to such tests. I have been suggesting them to get togehter and fight this menace. I suggest you get in touch with Susan Brown, who also in is trouble because of inaccurate drug tests, and fight this problem together. Her e mail is susan brown <rickiesue333@yahoo.com>.
Best wishes
Ravi