Had Foot Surgery, Was Prescribed Vicodin (opoid)

Had to have severely ingrown toe nails removed on both feet and was prescribed vicodin (opoid pain killer) for pain. I was also given 3 days off per dr orders due to fact that he did both feet, cauterized my nail bed to prevent regrowth, and being prescribed the vicodin. iv had issues with ingrown before in the past so I'm hoping this will be the last time I deal with them.

I am getting better day by day and should be able to safely go back to work tommorow. Currently I'm in a non driving position running a forklift and hosting trailers, still have my CDL obviously.

My concern is about the Vicodin and any possible rando UAs. So far I've just been contact with my direct report supervisor about the time off and doctor note. My doctor just wrote a standard "off due to medical procedure" type note with no mention of the Vicodin.

Do I need to let my safety director and supervisor know I was taking those the last 2 days? Tonight should be the last day I need them as the pain has lessened considerably since Monday when I had the procedure done.

I just don't know how long stuff like that stays in my system and wouldn't want to risk anything?

May I have some best advice please?

Thank you

Yes, let them know that you were prescribed this and took it per the prescription. If you take any drug tests in the near future let the tester know before hand.

Save the bottle with all the information on its label, too.

I am having cataract surgery on my eye this coming Monday. I asked the doctor to provide documentation for the anesthesia being used in case it shows up on a drug test. I’m not worried about a urine test, I know it will be out of my system in a few days. I’m more concerned about the hair test when I apply for training. I shave my head so body hair will be used and it most likely will be in the follicles. I don't want to be sent home due to something showing up from a surgery. I’ll let them know from day one and submit the paperwork beforehand if asked or have it in hand at time of physical and testing

You absolutely need to tell them about this, so you're totally covered in the event of a possible UA or hair test. Not only that, I'd be worried the Vicodin may conflict with your ability to operate a forklift or jockey trailers. Not sure of the legality there, or company policy. But I'd be concerned about it. My company requires that I immediately notify them upon taking any medication not on my list of current medicines.

Generally, if something happens that you feel might affect your career, let your boss or someone else the office know. That "heads up" could save your hiney. The worst that can happen is that they say "Thank you" and basically toss that fact into the round file because it wasn't important.

Just a reminder for anybody reading this who may have similar concerns. Doctors are not God. You don't have to do everything they say.

I have had three eye surgeries over the past 6 months. I'm scheduled for a fourth next month. Each time I have been prescribed pain medicines that I don't want to take. So, I just don't take them. I don't even get the prescription filled. I'm not saying everybody should just endure their pain, but often times our pain is not as severe as we think it will be. I followed this same practice when I had hernia surgery at the beginning of my career. Most of us can endure a lot more pain than we think. The human body is amazing in how it can heal and deal with pain. That's just my two cents. I would never expect any of you to do as I do, but I avoid any problems with drug tests if possible. I know this is a personal choice, and I respect each of you in making your own medical decisions. I just don't give physicians as much authority over my well being as most folks do.

Of course, documentation can keep you out of trouble when being drug tested. We have seen so many posts from people in here who claim they don't have a clue as to why they tested positive. It seems best to just avoid anything that could possibly cause you to fail a drug test. I completely agree with PackRat. Keep the labeled bottle and use it to compliment your other documentation.

I had this same procedure done on my other eye a few years ago. Luckily there is no pain, just a scratchy feeling for a few days. Post-op pain meds will not be prescribed and like Old School, if they were prescribed, I wouldn’t take them unless the pain was absolutely unbearable.

Fwiw: pain meds alternative Following ACL & Meniscus surgery, they prescribed over 100 Oxi-something. I took only one. I have a TENS device which provides instant relief from near screaming pain spikes - think about waking from a leg cramp a day after your hamstring has been removed. TENS is an electronic stimulus which cancels pain causing nerve signals. Probably not applicable for head or toes, otherwise why wait 40mins for relief from a drug

I just went in for a Whiz Quiz in late January. I asked the tester if they wanted a list of my Meds they (The clinic) Where I tested told me that I would only have to provide my med list if I tested positive. Having a prescription for a medication that could pop a positive test is not an absolute coverall. Example is if your prescription is not current i.e. you had a Oxy prescription from three years ago and you test positive for Oxy it could cause a problem. When I was in the service I was the UA NCOIC for my company and every other month I had to test up to 250 2nd Lieutenant's coming in for the Engineer Officer basic course I heard all the barracks lawyer bs about drug testing and prescription reporting. When in doubt keep all of your documentation and if you have any pills left find a place in your area that will take un-used or expired medication like a local hospital / Clinic or drug store. My home country has the Sheriff's office holds a medication turn in twice a year.