chronic pain, oxycontin, percocet and marijuana
Question: I have chronic back pain (2 failed back surgeries) and have been seeing a pain doctor. He has had me on oxycontin and percocet for over a year. I have found if I take a few puffs of marijuana, I can cut back on the percocet. However, my doctor did a surprise urine test on me that I have to go back to see him next week. I am so afraid now that he will think I am a 'pot head' and consider me a risk for my pain meds....I will be so embarrassed if he confronts me. Should I just be honest with him and hope he understands?
Answer: It is unlikely that the routine urine would screen for marijuana. Whether you tell your doctor about your occasional marijuana use is up to you (I'm sure it's nothing that he hasn't heard before). It is important to be honest and open with your health care providers about your drug use. The more information your doctor has, the better care you can receive.
— March 07, 2005