Drug Testing

[The_Vincester]

Well, I've run into an interesting situation. After my previous job was lost from the business going under, I've been looking for a new job. I currently have a job offer from another company, but I'm running into problems. They want a drug test. The problem is not that I can't pass one - I doubt that they're checking for the type of drugs I'm on, but the fact they want a urinalysis - and, well, with ESRD I don't pee.

I asked if a blood test was an option, and they don't really want to do that. They'd have to set up a completely different account with the testing agency and all kinds of other red tape, I guess. The recruiter I'm working with is very sympathetic, but doesn't really know what to do.

I really hate this, because I really didn't want to even bring up my ESRD until I really had to. I do overnight peritoneal dialysis on a cycler, and it really won't affect my work - so until they need to know, I didn't think it was there business.

I hated letting the cat of the bag, because then I felt like I was hiding something. However, I didn't want that stigma before they know how I work... fact is, I used to be a hiring manager, and I would have had serious doubts about hiring someone like me, so I know the stigma is there.

I obviously need a job, and if it came down to it, there is some "hardball" I could play. Since I have ESRD, I'm disabled and they cannot discriminate against me, so I have that card to play, but I certainly don't want to go that route. What kind of message would that send? I'm just frustrated that this could jeopardize a really good position that I'm uniquely qualified for.

Has anyone else run into a similar situation?

[okarol]

Here's a thread that deals with the topic. http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=8633.0
It's also a pretty humorous thread - oh man Rerun - she's funny.

[Dannyboy]

*THAT* is a funny thread.

Vince, sorry you're dealing with this drug testing through urinalysis issue.

---Dan

[sullidog]

good question! Insist that they need to do a blood test, that's the only thing that I know of to do really. Looks like you might to have to play hardball.

[The_Vincester]

I was contacted today. The recruiter says she's just waiting on a chain of custody form for my blood test. That's the good news in all this. Since I'm going through a recruiting service, she doesn't get paid unless I get hired. With that in mind, it seems like she's doing everything possible to make things happen.

[mcclane]

best wishes on the position ! 

I can totally understand where you're coming from on the kidney disease thing.  It has been a while since i applied for a new position, but I usually don't tell them about my medical condition.  I feel it is none of their business, especially since they haven't hired yet.

While I've not had to do any drug testing for any of the positions i've applied for, you can state that due to medical conditions, a urine sample is not possible.  Don't get into too much specifics unless they really ask why.

[Lillupie]

you know, I was actually thinking of the same thing no too long ago. I even posted this question on Facebook.

Let us know how it turns out.

Lisa

[CebuShan]

So far, I still urinate so that hasn't been an issue for me. Even though I am an independent contractor, I have had to get background check and drug tested for some of the companies I work for.

Good Luck!

[sullidog]

Also for those of us who still urinate would our urine even be acurate for a drug test? If we did have drugs would they pass through our urine?

[rsudock]

I was wondering about that too!! I did pee for my blood test but then quite soon after I stopped peeing...whew!! I also wonder how employers can ask you to fill out medical history forms too...can't that be a form of discrimination? I asked my neph to fill out the form last fall and they even asked about disease that run in your family and the neph said "this isn't any of there business" and he put "NO"....love my neph!!!

I hope you get the job!! GOOD LUCK!!

xo,
R

[The_Vincester]

Eventually did the blood test, got the job and starts 10/10.

Now I need to figure out how I handle SSDI. I hadn't planned on working until this came along, and supposed to get my first check in November. I know I can work several months without financial restriction, but do I need to notify them?

[sullidog]

absolutely! or if you go over you will end up paying it back!

[bleija]

i never thought about it not being accuarate, hmmm

[rsudock]

Eventually did the blood test, got the job and starts 10/10.

Now I need to figure out how I handle SSDI. I hadn't planned on working until this came along, and supposed to get my first check in November. I know I can work several months without financial restriction, but do I need to notify them?

Did you see my workers' with disabilities thread?? I have been tracking my journey working with a disability... hope the job is going well!!

xo,
R

[bleija]

how do u notify them that u are working, i applied for disability when i couldnt work my fullltime schedule when i got put on hemo... but im back on PD now and im starting back to work next week, i told my boss about the disability and that i cant make more than 1000 a month is there any other considerations that i need to think about and make sure that i follow, i do not want lose disability and i surely dont want to have to pay them back

[rsudock]

how do u notify them that u are working, i applied for disability when i couldnt work my fullltime schedule when i got put on hemo... but im back on PD now and im starting back to work next week, i told my boss about the disability and that i cant make more than 1000 a month is there any other considerations that i need to think about and make sure that i follow, i do not want lose disability and i surely dont want to have to pay them back

alright here is what I know to be true...you can always go to SSA.gov and in the search engine type "Trial Work Period" and the social security site will give you links to open that discuss your options while being disabled and working...    http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10095.html#part3


When you go back to work, the first 9 months are called a "Trial Work Period"  that means you can AS MUCH AS YOU WANT for 9 months and you WILL NOT LOSE your Social security check.... after the initial 9 months, the next 36 months you can make up to $1000 without losing your benefits. If after the 36 months you continually make over $1000 they will consider that "substantial" income and your benefits will be dropped, BUT you will have 5 years to RESTART your benefits without filing a new claim. (ie-you are working, but you need to switch to hemo, and you get very sick to the point, where you cannot work at all again...you can start getting your check from SSA again, without filling out a new application.)

VERY IMPORTANT...find out the address of your local social security office. Send in COPIES of your paycheck stubs at the end of every month! They need this to keep track of your earning during the trial work period...if you don't it is considered FRAUD!  So for me December 26th will be the last pay in the month of December. Usually the next day or two I will go and copy all of the stubs for the ENTIRE month and send them with a letter that states..."To whom it may concern; these are my paycheck stubs for the month of December 2011. I am sending them so you can keep track of my earnings for my 9 month Trial Work Period. I am disabled due to ESRD....etc..."

You get the picture I'm sure...I hope that helps!!! Take care hope the job is going good! Sounds like you have a decent boss!

xo,
R

[CebuShan]

How did you get SDI? I have applied three times before I have up. The first time I was denied, they said ESRD is not a disability! Then I was told my husband makes too much. And finally, since I still work part time when I can, that I didn't make enough! I don't get it?!

[bleija]

u have to talk to ur doctor... how much u make shouldnt matter, my social worker said u c oiuld be a millionare aand still collect disability.. as long as u dnt make over 1000 a month yourself, thn u should qualify, they send a paper to ur doc to fill out ...

[shorty590000]

Sullidog brought up an intriguing question and no one has seemed to answer to it.. so far....how does kidney failure affect a drug test? would they stay in your system longer because decreased kidney function? very intriguing... if anybody knows.. pls provide your input.. thank u

[bleija]

i asked my nurse, so now i htink he thinks im doing drugs lol, he said it would still show up

[Grumpy-1]

I work for the Dept of Defense and have random drug tests.  When I first start on PD, i was making enough urine to be able to take a urine test.  None of the D medication ever showed up.  I did have an ear infection once that I was taking some strong antibiotics for and that those did show on the urine test.  All I had to do when ask about that was to send them the prescription label for the medications and everything was OK.  Now I no longer produce urine and I have a letter written from the Doctors stating that I have kidney disease and no longer produce urine.  So everytime I get called in for a urine drug test, I send them a copy of that letter and we are OK.  I too indicated that I have no problem or concerns if they want to do a blood test for drugs, but so far they haven't had an issue with it.

[Joe]

We're more alike than I thought Grumpy-1. I have the same situation with random urinalysis tests, and likely for the same reason. I'm still making some urine, so can provide it to them, at least for the time being. We'll see how it goes.