Question:
I hold a CDL drivers licance and was subject to a random drug test urin .
My creation level came back as being low. 1.80 So now they hae accused me of altering my test which I did not ! Any reason why this hapened? I don't do drugs . I am 7 mo post op and down 125 lbs. — Patti C. (posted on September 5, 2003)
September 5, 2003
Below is a reference to the same question, and their answer. It has to do
with muscle wasting from malnutrition (according to them). I would get
your surgeon to write a letter explaining that due to your surgery, your
lab values may be off, and in this particular case it is because of your
special metabolic issues as a postop patient. Now the lab value they list
in this article is only 0.5 and they said that wasn't too low, so I think
they are talking blood level and you had a urine test, so don't know how
they would compare. ~~~~~
tp://www.medhelp.org/forums/urology/archive/1011.html
— bethybb
September 5, 2003
Creatinine tests kidney function. Some people will try to alter their drug
screen by forcing tons of fluids to dilute out the drugs. That fluid
pushing will lower your creatnine, and that is what they were probably
suspicious about.
— **willow**
September 5, 2003
My creatine was low with my last set of labs, and my doctor said it meant I
wasn't getting enough protein.
— Robin T.
September 5, 2003
Willow, you're a pretty long term post op. Do you think that the
recommended daily amount of water for post ops could affect that test in
and of itself? As far as I know everyone is told because of the high
protein diet to push these fluids to the max for the safety of the kidneys.
Do you think this in and of itself could be a basis for a a problem with
the test? If so maybe her PCP (or maybe even her surgeon) need to get
involved?? Just some thoughts.
— Shelly S.
September 5, 2003
You are female, and having a smaller muscle mass, women generally have
lower creatinine levels, which they should know. Offer to repeat the test.
Personally, I would be pretty ticked off and on the defensive. I did find
a site that said "eating lots of red meat three days before the
test" will raise urine creatinine levels. Do they accuse all
vegetarians of altering their urine tests? You are obviously doing a good
job of getting your water in! I agree with another poser that if they want
something to clear you, have your MD or surgeon write a letter explaining
that, due to your personal medical condition, it is very necessary for you
to have a high intake of liquids. (You don't have to explain that you had
WLS unless you want to - that is none of their business.)
— koogy
September 6, 2003
Normal lab values vary, depending on the institution. For example: In my
book it lists .5-1.7 as normal. I have also seen ranges such as: .6-1.5
.6-1.3 .6-1.8 (and .8-2.4 for a man) According to one of those, you
would be normal! You should find out what scale is for the lab you used.
Maybe you are a *tad* high, but I agree with the other posters, get your
surgeon involved! Good Luck, Lori
— Lori A.
September 6, 2003
the recommended amount of water for post ops (inmy case 64 oz a day/ or 2
quarts) is the same as the recommended amount of water for everybody,
whether they have had surgey or not. I would ask to be retested. Thay can
also do a more refined test on the same specimin you had given before, that
is the usual process for drug tests, that they test the same specimin,
other wise the random aspect is lost. I woukld ask have there been any
consequences from this test or disaplinary action at work. there are some
rel tricky issues here. I would ask for the further testing to clear your
record. Your CDL I am guessing is the source of your livlihood. Definately
be working with your Dr. and yo might want to condider talking to an
attorney if there is ANY question of this affecting your license,
— **willow**
September 6, 2003
This got my attention as I also am subject to these tests! Patti, please
let us know how this progresses. Shelly, I have drunk 2-3L water/day for
several years, since reading the report I posted about a week ago. I've
never had an abnormal test but have not been tested since having DS in June
'02. Hmmmmm.....
— Chris T.
September 6, 2003
Hmmm, maybe the water theory isn't a good one?? Thanks for answering
though you guys.
— Shelly S.
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