TrailRunnerRN

What are the current qualifications to be an evaluator? A lot has changed since I was in the program.

Hello, When I had my evaluation done in 2014, SARP gave me a list of approved evaluators in my area. If they are not providing this service any longer, I would start by going to the Healthcare Provider meetings in your area. Not only are these a great resource for your recovery, many of these professionals (MDs, RNs) have had to have evaluations completed and will be able to steer you in the right direction. I have been going to my Healthcare Provider meeting religiously for over 10 years. It's loosely based on AA and they have seen me through the worst parts of my recovery. They are my family.

Best of luck! I was in the program for 10 years. I am happy to offer a helping hand. Stay in touch and keep your chin up. My path is not normal, but I can help you stay WNL. Peace.

Did you find someone? I am in Western MA, familiar with SARP, and may be able to help.

I am not a fan of the PeTH test. Here is a link to some recent research on the sensitivity to the test. It is archaic and shouldn't be used absolutely for us at this point: https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/9/9/250 I would ask for additional testing by hair or nail for confirmation of your compliance. Best of luck!

Just to follow-up/circle back/close this loop... I had a phone meeting with the MRO at Affinity. My PETH test was negative, but I still wanted to talk about the two positive urine ETG tests. The first order of business was, "one of the many reasons we can see a positive ETG like yours, is due to a UTI." I was so happy to share with him all the documentation for the UTI treatment. Someone here shared that a UTI will cause a false positive ETG. Thank you for that. Also, I am prescribed Carafate Suspension r/t GI surgery. It has ethyl alcohol in the cherry flavoring (which I found after some detective work). The MRO told me to stop taking that immediately LOL. OK buddy, slow your roll, you're 1/1 with the UTI. I'll talk to my surgeon about that. He asked me to send the label, which I'm pretty sure he didn't have on his "list" of approved/unapproved meds. Be safe, everyone! Stay informed.

I'm pretty sure, based on some solid detective work, I have found the culprit: Carafate (liquid formulation). I had pretty extensive GI surgery in mid-May. My surgeon prescribed the liquid form of Carafate r/t difficulty swallowing. I looked up the ingredients: ethyl alcohol is used in the cherry flavoring. I have been taking this 4x/day (40 mL) for at least 4 days before the first test. I will likely fail the PeTH test, but at least I have an answer!

Thank you!

One hour after I posted on this thread, I received a call from my case manager stating that my last two tests were ETG positive. I have been sober for 16 months. I requested a PETH, which was drawn this afternoon. I also met with my nephrologist yesterday and labs show I have a UTI. Does anyone know if a UTI will cause false positive results? I'm not backing down on this one. Thanks!

We shouldn't have to live like this. We shouldn't have to ask this type of question. I hate that these programs have reduced us to this level of fear. Together we are stronger ❤️

Hello, I have been working as a case manager/counselor in a detox facility since my license has been restricted. My company has been sensitive to my program needs and I am surrounded by people in recovery. They are holding a position for me when I can return to nursing. It's not something I ever thought I could do, but it is rewarding. It allows me to stay connected and use my life experience.

I take a prescription that metabolizes as a barbiturate. It always posts as "value out of range" first until the MRO reviews it. Then it becomes "prescription positive.”

@Tyson SARP staff also called my place of employment to verify I was abiding by my contract before moving forward with my CA-3. This is a shift. Never in my almost 9 years has anyone from SARP called where I was working to check in on me, what I was doing, or even talked with the Supervisor I listed. Based on my experience, MA-SARP is really getting it together both in how they are treating us and how they are organizing themselves.

Hello! I have been told I am the longest standing member in the MA-SARP program. God-willing, I should complete this program this May/June, having entered in 2014. I have had full privileges and I have started over, staying sober throughout. I'm not willing to get into details because I do not know who reads this board. I am currently weeks away from getting my CA-3 once again working in an acute detox facility treating the exact patients I once was. I openly told most of my coworkers my (edited) story thinking that was the best way to be transparent. This bit me in the butt. I found it hard to be stigmatized by some of my colleagues who were supposed to show compassion for a population that I belonged to. But a nurse?! Unforgiveable! There have been many changes in staff at MA-SARP since my start. I will say that in the last year, I find them more approachable and helpful. My last piece of advice is get a lawyer. I never thought I needed one. I can barely afford the one I have, but without him I would be in SARP eternally. I am happy to help!

You can reach out to me! She can find me on Insta with the same name. Happy to help. I joined SARP in 2014… and I am still going. I feel your sister’s reality. Take care.