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I had the same as you on my last test. Did Cologard first, came back positive. They won't tell you if it is positive for blood or for cancer cells. So useful (not). Had a colonoscopy, clean as a whistle, just like the one 10 years before.
I had the same as you on my last test. Did Cologard first, came back positive. They won't tell you if it is positive for blood or for cancer cells. So useful (not). Had a colonoscopy, clean as a whistle, just like the one 10 years before.
They can't tell you if a positive Cologuard result is from blood or cancer cells. The test is for both, but positive test results do not indicate if those results are from blood or cancer. Just " positive".
IMO, a Cologuard is an expensive way to do a test for fecal occult blood. I'd probably opt for the fecal occult blood test, as blood is often found in the stool samples in colon cancer.
I took a Cologuard test in 2019 and also had a false positive. Apparently they are common.
A follow up colonoscopy showed no cancer although I did have some polyps (removed). I had recently enrolled in Medicare and unwisely chose a Humana Advantage Plan.
Humana refused to pay for the Cologuard test because my doctor hadn't applied for pre-approval. (That was a new requirement established by Humana that year and penalized many people.)
I filed a grievance and after two years of wrangling, they paid for part of the test. (I still had to pay more than $200 out-of-pocket.)
This was the final straw for me with Humana. I switched over to Kaiser Permanente and so far, so good!
It's hard not to worry when you get a positive test result for colon cancer. Ultimately, it is likely a false-positive and a colonoscopy will reveal the truth.
My PCP just called to let me know that my cologuard was positive. I'm 51. I'm trying to get into for a colonoscopy now. She was actually quite unhelpful.
I have hemorrhoids (off and on) and asked if that could affect it and she said she didn't know. I asked her what the false positive rate was and she didn't know.
I guess I'm not really seeing the value of this test since negative doesn't mean you don't have cancer and positive leads to a colonoscopy any way.
Anyway, I'm not having any symptoms or anything, but I'm scared to death. I'm also annoyed because I went for my physical and assumed I'd be getting a colonoscopy and then she suggested I just try the cologuard.
At this point, my dr is simply saying I probably have a polyp, cancer, or some type of inflammation in my colon. Not helpful at all.
Anyway, has anyone else been thru this?
Same happened to me Thursday night. I'd fallen asleep early watching TV. The phone call woke me up. Whoever called said I had a positive for colon cancer and that I'd need a colonoscopy. I told them I have a weird body, my body didn't like the 1st one. I was sick for over a month. She kept stressing that I had to do it because I was positive for colon cancer. I forgot to ask what it was positive for so I could look everything up.
I went to my computer to log into my GP's portal to message my doctor to say I really need to talk to her ASAP because I forgot to ask specifics and that I wanted a copy of the results. I looked all over the portal under my records and my test results, there was nothing entered.
I called my GP's office early the next morning, found out they were off for Good Friday and Easter when I got the answering service. I had to go the whole weekend thinking I had colon cancer! I almost made a post too but did not because I managed to keep myself busy.
Thankfully someone had called me early yesterday morning about my sodium being low so I asked them. They then told me that testing positive didn't mean that much because it could just mean there was a drop of blood in my sample. I'm sure that you know how pissed off I was an still am! That person sent me my results in a message on the portal. I haven't had a chance to see what exactly was found because it didn't sound like it would say but thanks to Parnassia I'm going to look after I do my errands. My gut, where the ribs meet, has been burning for 2 months. There's no colon cancer on either of my parents lines from what I know. Everyone dies in their 80's from natural causes but my body has been fighting the type of HPV that causes oral, anal and vaginal cancers plus I'm positive for being exposed to Benzene which causes AML Leukemia.
My GP finally called yesterday too. Wish I could recall what time. She knew I was upset because of my message, I couldn't fit everything in one message so I had to send a few. She told me it was a student who called me and that she was waiting to speak to the student until she spoke to me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NRaleigh Mom
I'm in my fifties and my first colonoscopy was overdue. I really didn't want to go through that procedure so I opted for Cologuard. I didn't know my Doctor was going to order it right away (we were just speaking about it) and next thing I know it shows up at my house.
Upon further investigation, I saw the part about false positive/negative. I also realized that if I had a false positive I would still have to go in for a colonoscopy and this time instead of it being a preventive procedure (covered by insurance at 100%) it would now be considered diagnostic. That means I would be responsible for my deductible/copay.
Therefore I decided against Cologuard.
I knew my GP ordered it for me, I was shocked they had my cell phone number when they texted saying to make sure I did and send the test back. GP never told me she was giving them my number
Location: Stuck on the East Coast, hoping to head West
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roselvr
Same happened to me Thursday night. I'd fallen asleep early watching TV. The phone call woke me up. Whoever called said I had a positive for colon cancer and that I'd need a colonoscopy. I told them I have a weird body, my body didn't like the 1st one. I was sick for over a month. She kept stressing that I had to do it because I was positive for colon cancer. I forgot to ask what it was positive for so I could look everything up.
I went to my computer to log into my GP's portal to message my doctor to say I really need to talk to her ASAP because I forgot to ask specifics and that I wanted a copy of the results. I looked all over the portal under my records and my test results, there was nothing entered.
I called my GP's office early the next morning, found out they were off for Good Friday and Easter when I got the answering service. I had to go the whole weekend thinking I had colon cancer! I almost made a post too but did not because I managed to keep myself busy.
Thankfully someone had called me early yesterday morning about my sodium being low so I asked them. They then told me that testing positive didn't mean that much because it could just mean there was a drop of blood in my sample. I'm sure that you know how pissed off I was an still am! That person sent me my results in a message on the portal. I haven't had a chance to see what exactly was found because it didn't sound like it would say but thanks to Parnassia I'm going to look after I do my errands. My gut, where the ribs meet, has been burning for 2 months. There's no colon cancer on either of my parents lines from what I know. Everyone dies in their 80's from natural causes but my body has been fighting the type of HPV that causes oral, anal and vaginal cancers plus I'm positive for being exposed to Benzene which causes AML Leukemia.
My GP finally called yesterday too. Wish I could recall what time. She knew I was upset because of my message, I couldn't fit everything in one message so I had to send a few. She told me it was a student who called me and that she was waiting to speak to the student until she spoke to me.
I knew my GP ordered it for me, I was shocked they had my cell phone number when they texted saying to make sure I did and send the test back. GP never told me she was giving them my number
Your experience sounds very close to mine. Have you decided to get the colonoscopy?
Location: Stuck on the East Coast, hoping to head West
4,640 posts, read 11,933,539 times
Reputation: 9885
Thank you, everyone, for all of your posts. I read them all and then took myself offline for a break.
I have a colonoscopy scheduled in 2 weeks, but I'm hoping I can get in this week. It's not so much the wait, but I found another center that has much better reviews so I'm hoping to get in there.
I would really appreciate thoughts & prayers. That mean something to me.
My PCP just called to let me know that my cologuard was positive. I'm 51. I'm trying to get into for a colonoscopy now. She was actually quite unhelpful.
I have hemorrhoids (off and on) and asked if that could affect it and she said she didn't know. I asked her what the false positive rate was and she didn't know.
I guess I'm not really seeing the value of this test since negative doesn't mean you don't have cancer and positive leads to a colonoscopy any way.
Anyway, I'm not having any symptoms or anything, but I'm scared to death. I'm also annoyed because I went for my physical and assumed I'd be getting a colonoscopy and then she suggested I just try the cologuard.
At this point, my dr is simply saying I probably have a polyp, cancer, or some type of inflammation in my colon. Not helpful at all.
Anyway, has anyone else been thru this?
It sounds to me like you need a new PCP. You don't need to be a specialist to look something up on google.
Yes, hemorrhoids can result in a false positive cologuard. ANYTHING that can cause blood to appear in the same test, can result in a false positive. As for a false positive rate, that's something you could have looked up yourself, you didn't need to ask the doctor that. She's not a statistician, it's really not her job to know and then provide random statistics to patients.
If you're 51, then you're within the age range for people to get their first colonoscopy. Instead of assuming a doctor will tell you to do something, next time, bring it up yourself. Be assertive (not aggressive) and say "Hey doc - I'm 51. Time for my first colonoscopy, right? Can you refer me to someone who participates in my insurance?"
BTW I'll be due for my second one next year. I might get it earlier, my health insurance company just sent me the message that it's time to schedule (they weren't my insurance when I got the first one and I guess they don't realize I've already had one).
The prep is the hardest part. The drink you have to drink is gross, you have to drink a lot of it, and you spend most of your evening and most of the next morning on the toilet. My personal advice: Do yourself a HUGE favor and have it done wherever is the closest to your house. And by closest, I mean - within 10 minutes drive, or less, if possible. Either that or wear a Depends in the car on the way there "just in case."
The procedure itself is a piece of cake. If you have no polyps, then recovery is pretty much instant. If you have polyps that they have to remove, you might feel sore for a couple of days but nothing unbearable.
Thank you, everyone, for all of your posts. I read them all and then took myself offline for a break.
I have a colonoscopy scheduled in 2 weeks, but I'm hoping I can get in this week. It's not so much the wait, but I found another center that has much better reviews so I'm hoping to get in there.
I would really appreciate thoughts & prayers. That mean something to me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bande1102
Your experience sounds very close to mine. Have you decided to get the colonoscopy?
I haven't dealt with it yet, just haven't had time plus I'm not convinced my test is positive for cancer. I really don't want a colonoscopy. Dr sent my results the other day, gonna try to look at them today at some point.
The only reason I will be getting a colonoscopy is because I do have symptoms of something being wrong in my gut, right where my front ribs meet, about 2 inches over my belly button. Google shows pancreas and small intestine. Hard to tell when looking at abdomen photos on google. I think the pancreas is too high, more likely small intestines which probably isn't even covered with a colonoscopy. It's a horrible burning pain that doesn't stop when I take omeprazole or generic compazine
Post back when you get yours to let us know how you made out.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghaati
It sounds to me like you need a new PCP. You don't need to be a specialist to look something up on google.
Yes, hemorrhoids can result in a false positive cologuard. ANYTHING that can cause blood to appear in the same test, can result in a false positive. As for a false positive rate, that's something you could have looked up yourself, you didn't need to ask the doctor that. She's not a statistician, it's really not her job to know and then provide random statistics to patients.
If you're 51, then you're within the age range for people to get their first colonoscopy. Instead of assuming a doctor will tell you to do something, next time, bring it up yourself. Be assertive (not aggressive) and say "Hey doc - I'm 51. Time for my first colonoscopy, right? Can you refer me to someone who participates in my insurance?"
BTW I'll be due for my second one next year. I might get it earlier, my health insurance company just sent me the message that it's time to schedule (they weren't my insurance when I got the first one and I guess they don't realize I've already had one).
The prep is the hardest part. The drink you have to drink is gross, you have to drink a lot of it, and you spend most of your evening and most of the next morning on the toilet. My personal advice: Do yourself a HUGE favor and have it done wherever is the closest to your house. And by closest, I mean - within 10 minutes drive, or less, if possible. Either that or wear a Depends in the car on the way there "just in case."
The procedure itself is a piece of cake. If you have no polyps, then recovery is pretty much instant. If you have polyps that they have to remove, you might feel sore for a couple of days but nothing unbearable.
I'm 56. For some reason I had one back in 2005. My parents just had them, my hub was doing it, so I figured I'd do one too. Not history of colon cancer in my family.
The prep made me sick for a good month. I can't imagine what it will do to me now that I'm 16 years older. Not looking forward to it.
I will not do as much prep as they prescribe. I didn't the last time either because I had a feeling it was too much for my body. I'll use my judgement again. Depending on what this one does to me will decide if I do one again.
Location: Stuck on the East Coast, hoping to head West
4,640 posts, read 11,933,539 times
Reputation: 9885
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roselvr
I haven't dealt with it yet, just haven't had time plus I'm not convinced my test is positive for cancer. I really don't want a colonoscopy. Dr sent my results the other day, gonna try to look at them today at some point.
The only reason I will be getting a colonoscopy is because I do have symptoms of something being wrong in my gut, right where my front ribs meet, about 2 inches over my belly button. Google shows pancreas and small intestine. Hard to tell when looking at abdomen photos on google. I think the pancreas is too high, more likely small intestines which probably isn't even covered with a colonoscopy. It's a horrible burning pain that doesn't stop when I take omeprazole or generic compazine
Post back when you get yours to let us know how you made out.
I'm 56. For some reason I had one back in 2005. My parents just had them, my hub was doing it, so I figured I'd do one too. Not history of colon cancer in my family.
The prep made me sick for a good month. I can't imagine what it will do to me now that I'm 16 years older. Not looking forward to it.
I will not do as much prep as they prescribe. I didn't the last time either because I had a feeling it was too much for my body. I'll use my judgement again. Depending on what this one does to me will decide if I do one again.
Location: Stuck on the East Coast, hoping to head West
4,640 posts, read 11,933,539 times
Reputation: 9885
I just moved up my colonoscopy and will be having it later this week. I'll keep everyone posted.
I did find some interesting info:
1) cologuard results simply say "positive". Not positive for what (blood and/or the DNA indicators). I saw a copy of mine and it is not helpful at all. It really does only say positive.
First and foremost, a positive result on the Cologuard test means that you need to have a colonoscopy. Not a virtual colonoscopy, or another stool test, or another scan of some sort…you need a real optical colonoscopy. Only about 4% of people will have cancer found on colonoscopy. 51% will have a precancerous polyp. The rest (45%) will have nothing found on colonoscopy. So to simplify even further, just a little more than half of people with positive results will have something abnormal (cancer or a polyp) found on colonoscopy.
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