After I’d gotten both kids off to school this morning I started to prepare the items I’d sold on Ebay for shipping. My Mom called and asked what I was doing ;I told her and she offered to come and take me to the post office so I didn’t have to carry all of the boxes of books on the bus and then she wanted to go out for coffee. I finished with my packages and called ChefHisName. As soon as he said hello I realized who he reminded me of, that guy who plays Dr. Cox on Scrubs. That helped me feel less nervous. After I’d gotten off the phone I took a shower and kissed and cuddled Maggie until it was time to go.
My Mom was telling me about her upcoming trip to
Something had been nagging me in the back of my mind all morning and I hadn’t talked with anyone about it, so I told her that I was worried that the drugs I’d been given in the ER and for a few weeks after I injured my back were going to make me test positive because they were in the opiate family, you know the family that actually works when you’re in severe pain. She snatched her hand away and said “TAMMY!!!” in that voice that makes me feel so little again, that voice that shows me just how disappointed she really is.
I tried explaining it to her, the pain, the not being able to walk, the you just drove by Starbucks but she was just cruising on down the road. I pointed in a direction and said, “There’s a little coffee shop down that way that’s nice.” As I snuck a look her face was set, her lips gone, her eyes facing forward. “”What time is it?” she asked, “I have a lot to get done today.” We rode the rest of the way to my house in silence. I was sorry that I had trusted her with that, kicking myself for thinking that she would understand.
When I got home Alex was still awake. I hadn’t told him about the call either and so I crawled into bed beside him and told him that I was afraid that I was going to fail the piss test. He told me about the drug tests he’s taken and how they ask him if he’s on prescription medication first. I imagined writing out the list of medications I am taking. I imagined ChefHisName, or ChefCox, as I think of him now, reading the list and shaking his head at his foolishness. He actually mentioned something today about a position where I would be a supervisor [oh my god I haven’t had to keep track of kids who aren’t my own in three years] and now this fear in my head after I’d told him I’d have no trouble supervising a crew. “No Problem!” I had replied.
Anyway, Alex talked me through my fears and when I asked what about a hair follicle test he said with a straight face as he eyed my hair hanging all the way down to the middle of my back, “Hair Follicle? You’re fucked!” There was something about the way he said it and then the way he rubbed the top of my head afterwards. We laughed and I wondered aloud if I should Sinéad O’Connor it right now. He doesn’t think that would be a good look for me, somehow. As he spooned me I whispered, “What if I don’t get the job?” and he whispered back, “Then you will get another one.” and it was all OK then. I should have gone to him first, not to my Mom.
You were all very sweet in the comments and I want to answer everyone but I can’t right this minute so I will just say thank you for now and hope you know that I truly felt those good thoughts coming my way and it was very important.
The test is tomorrow at 1p.m. PST.
Comment by Kari
April 22, 2008 @ 7:03 pm
Just wanted to de-lurk and say that I don’t think that the company that conducts the drug test can share any info about the legal medications that you are on with the Chefs. I would think that info would fall under confidentially rights and all that.
Good luck!
Comment by Tammy
April 22, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Thanks Kari.
I hope that you’re right. I am happy that you delurked and left a comment. Come back anytime.
Tammy
Comment by Thursday
April 23, 2008 @ 12:11 am
I think you are panicking unnecessarily. I’m sure you will be asked before the test if you are/recently have been taking any medication.
I also think your mother was far, far too harsh and Alex was completely right.
Comment by Belle
April 23, 2008 @ 5:20 am
Um, Mom? Way to go! Hmmmph. From my experience, Mom doesn’t want to hear anything but good and pleasant and mind-numbingly boring stuff, so don’t even put yourself in the position to be disappointed with her response to anything else. And, Alex? Yay…perfect! Seriously!
Yep, the drug test is confidential and yes, they ask what meds you are taking. Rest easy, m’dear. (It’s too late to do a drug test on yourself before this job one, but they are available at drugstores for about $20. I learned that the hard way because of the adult son saga, sad to say.)
I think this will be a great week for you!
Comment by Rebecca
April 24, 2008 @ 5:03 am
I hope the test went well…and I think Alex is right…if it doesn’t work out, something else will. Sometimes things happen for a reason…if it doesn’t work out, that means there’s something better out there for you (although I find it’s hard to remember that when I really wanted something!)…good luck!!!
Comment by Tammy
April 24, 2008 @ 10:08 am
Thanks Thursday, Belle, Kari, and Rebecca,
It turns out that I was panicking unnecessarily, as the chef called and canceled right before I was about to get on the damn bus with my bladder nicely full yesterday. He said things were hectic, and he would call me today sometime to reschedule and I still haven’t heard from him. I decided to stop fretting and to go about my usual life including continuing to apply for other jobs.
I’ll let you all know when I do.
Tammy
Comment by Laurie
May 1, 2008 @ 3:05 am
Dear Tammy, I have been in the medical field for over 20 years and have also worked for a lab that did the actual drug testing, with that said let me say you had nothing to be concerned about. Most places that really put alot of stock in their drug screens will have what is call a M.R.O. a medical review officer. when your screen comes back positive for something that is available with a prescription they will call you and find out the pharmacy, the script # and the doctor name ( they won’t call him/her) and if you recieved it an emergency room setting you just give them that info. Generally you have signed a consent for them to get the info(from the pharmacy or ER)
when you sign your paper with the screen. In my area (Texas) I tested positive they called me etc. the lady told me as long as the prescription was less than 2 years old I was covered. Even if they do not have an M.R.O. as long as it is not something illegal you can fight the results if you do turn positive. Once you have shown the lab proof that you are taking something legally with a prescription they tell the emploer that you pass the screen they do not give them the detail or the name of your medication. It is important also to tell what OTC meds you take as some may cause a false positve. You might want to check local policies, but it sounds like you will be fine with future screens. This is one thing you don’t need to get worried about. Good Luck and God Bless
Comment by Tammy
May 1, 2008 @ 11:14 am
Dear Laurie,
I want to wholeheartedly thank you for taking the time to type this out for me. I have another interview with a drug screen coming up and you have erased my fears. Now I just need to figure out what to wear.
Tammy