Medications For Chronic Pain - Will They Inhibit Jobs?
 

Hi Guys,

My name is Joshua, I have Peripheral Neuropathy in both legs. I'm in a large amount of pain daily that keeps me from living a normal, social and functional life. If the time comes that I need an Opiate or any other Scheduled Drug and it's prescribed and taken as directed is it possible that it would inhibit me (or anyone else) from jobs that require a drug test? I understand it's legal to take with a prescription, but if a job requires a drug test and they see the results would that keep them from hiring? I'm going for a Masters in Nursing with hopes of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Would or COULD they deny me a job because of my medications if I'm not affected mentally by them (i.e. falling asleep on the job, seeming intoxicated, etc...)

I'm just worried that I'll never be able to control my pain and in one way or another it's going to ruin my life : (

Thanks Guys
Josh

Hi Joshua,

I'm sorry that I don't have an answer for you, but I wanted to hop on your thread because that is a question that I have too.

I don't think it would matter in a 'regular' job. I wonder if it would matter in a job doing direct patient care. I am a nurse too, just a BSN, so wanted to add a kudos for going for your MSN ! Once upon a time that was a goal of mine too.....but brain fog prevents that now. Maybe if I can ever get my pain adequately controlled.

I think the best thing to do would be to check with the Board of Nursing in your state.

On a related note, I've always been concerned with the driving and narcotics issue. I know plenty of CP'ers who drive while on narcotics, and let's be honest.....most of us would drive better with pain well controlled vs in severe pain, but I'm figuring the cops would frown on that mightily.

I know WC says that not being able to drive to work because of narcotic use is not an excuse, plenty of people do it so I should too, but I'm afraid to take that risk.