topic Re: Cologuard in Wellness

Cologuard

Mega Shopper — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 22:51:27 GMT

Has anyone had a positive Cologuard test and gone on to have a colonoscopy? Did you have a positive colonoscopy or was it negative, everything was fine? Has anyone experienced this??

Re: Cologuard

Shelbelle — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 22:54:06 GMT

Happend to a friend of mine, Cologuard discovered a large polyp, he then had to have a colonoscopy to remove it.

Re: Cologuard

gizmogal — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 23:20:59 GMT

@Shelbelle wrote:

Happend to a friend of mine, Cologuard discovered a large polyp, he then had to have a colonoscopy to remove it.

Cologuard can't "discover" a polyp. It does not have any access to the landscape, so to speak, of the colon. All it can do is detect the presence of cancer via the DNA in cells shed in the stool.

The risk of Cologuard screening is in a false negative, indicating colon health when there is actual cancer and thus there may be no follow up. Most of the positive results from Cologuard are legitimate, not false positives. I have no personal experience with a false positive needing colonoscopy follow up to check for presence of polyps.

I had one colonoscopy in my life before using Cologuard for screening in later years. One polyp was removed. I've had negative Cologuard results since, and had confidence they were accurate. I'm at very low risk so the negative was appropriate to accept.

It is foolhardy to avoid a follow up colonoscopy after a positive report from Cologuard. Either a polyp is discovered in the actual invasive exam and will be removed or there is no polyp and the results are inaccurate, but the patient is actually cancer free. Win win either way. You find out for sure and thus better ensure your health.

Cologuard detects cancer via cells shed and carried in the stool sample submitted. It does not discover or "see" polyps. It's a fancy lab test performed via chemicals applied to the sample material submitted. To "see" a polyp, a doctor must perform a colonoscopy.

Re: Cologuard

Shelbelle — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 23:20:31 GMT

It definitely found an abnormality in my friends results, he was told to have a colonoscopy where it was removed. It was benign, but could have turned cancerous if left in there too long. So, I guess you could say his results were positive and accurate.

Re: Cologuard

Shelbelle — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 23:22:46 GMT

Please remember that colonoscopy is still the gold standard, nothing else will be as accurate and comprehensive.

Re: Cologuard

Halemme — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 23:33:44 GMT

Both sisters went the Cologuard way and had false positives. Skip it and just do the colonoscopy. Also, very important and they both had this problem, if you go the Cologuard way and need a colonoscopy, your insurance might not pay for it since they paid for the Cologuard. Both of their colonoscopies were negative.

Re: Cologuard

NickNack — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 23:39:33 GMT

I had a Cologuard test that my PCP gave me. It found blood in my stool if I remember correctly. I then had a colonoscopy which found nothing. He then wanted to be doubly sure and had me do a CT scan series where I had to drink this chalky stuff. It was awful.

The gastroenterologist said that they never used Cologuard tests because they were so often inaccurate. I would have much rather have had the colonoscopy in the first place. I would never recommend Cologuard to anyone.

Re: Cologuard

kitcat51 — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 23:44:36 GMT

My Dr recommends a colonoscopy every 5 yrs, my insurer sent Cologuard at 3 yrs & it tested positive...had the procedure done & it found 3 polps that tested negative. Cologuard has it's place in health care & I'm grateful.

Re: Cologuard

Venezia — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 23:47:08 GMT

This topic interests me, because I'm currently deciding whether or not to use Cologuard. I talked to my sister-in-law just yesterday and she said it was better than a colonoscopy because you didn't have to do the "prep".

But I've had one colonoscopy in the past and think I'd rather just go that route and be absolutely sure of the results. I'm not high risk, but stil think it's better to have the test.

Also, according to my doctor, Cologuard is every 3 years. A colonoscopy is only every 10 years for low risk patients.

Re: Cologuard

RedTop — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:05:49 GMT

Cologuard detected blood in the stool of a family member, and a colonoscopy diagnosed diverticulitis.

Re: Cologuard

50Mickey — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:10:07 GMT

I'd skip Cologuard and go for the gold standard colonoscopy. Cologuard cannot see inside the colon and cannot see polyps. Because of my family history, father had colon cancer and his brother had colon cancer and I have had 1 pre-cancerous polyp removed it was recommended that I have a colonoscopy every 3 years. Yes I know the prep is yucky but I look at it a one bad day every 3 years. And it is a way to prevent colon cancer by removing polyps.

Re: Cologuard

hckynutjohn — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:29:05 GMT

@Mega Shopper

I have never used Cologuard, and it never entered my mind. In fact, I had a Proctoscope test long before my 1st Colonoscopy. I had my 16th Colonoscopy a few months ago, and an Endoscopy at the same time.

Why waste time with a test that leaves you guessing? Judging from your question(s), that is exactly what you want to read. How many that used this means of testing, guessed right?

When I had a Hernia I knew I could buy any number of contraptions to keep my stomach inards in place. To me that was dangerous and a waste of time and money. My doctor told me my options, and I chose, going under the knife. No guessing and wondering, WHAT IF? Problem fixed and I was on my way to recovering.

Cologard/Cologuard? Nope, I choose the Gold Standard, and right now that is called a Colonoscopy. A PSA! Get it done!

hckynut(john)🥅🏒 🇺🇸

Re: Cologuard

ID2 — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 10:41:46 GMT

Nope, not at all interested in the barbaric colonoscopy. I've opted for Cologuard for the past 10 years. All negative.

Re: Cologuard

LindaSal — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 13:02:28 GMT

My physician does not recommend Cologuard to detect colon cancer. He said it's better to just have the procedure, then you will have definate results. I had one 10 years ago and it was fine. I'm having my next one late December along with an endoscopy for my acid reflux.

Is it fun? Nope, but as a breast cancer survivor I don't need anything overlooked!

Re: Cologuard

hckynutjohn — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:02:39 GMT

@ID2 wrote:
Nope, not at all interested in the barbaric colonoscopy. I've opted for Cologuard for the past 10 years. All negative.

@ID2

"Barbaric Colonoscopy"! I have heard a lot of words used, but never any that have gone quite that far.

Don't know your experience with a Colonoscopy, or if you've ever had one. I have to assume that a person that chose the words "Barbaric Colonoscopy" has had this life saving procedure.

As I have mentioned numerous times, I had my number 16 Colonoscopy, only a few months ago. It actually was a Pandoscopy(this includes also having an Endoscopy) along with the look at my Colon. Wonder if you feel the Endoscopy also falls into the "Barbaric" category of important Medical, possibly life saving Procedures.

Having said this about the Colonoscopy, I can't imagine what word(s) you would use to describe my 5 Double Balloon Enteroscopies, 1 Upper/4 Lower.
Lower is usually measured in hours, unlike the Colonoscopy, which is measured in minutes. Same Prep/same scope entry into one's body.

Hopefully those reading my many assessments of having numerous numbers of both, Colonoscopy and Endoscopy, and Double Balloon Enteroscopy, they will understand there is nothing Barbaric, or even close to it, having these Life Saving Procedures.

Anyone reading this that thinks this procedure is as @ID2 described it? Talk to someone thats life has been saved by having this very common procedure done. If that someone is me? Ask away!

hckynut(john)🥅🏒 🇺🇸

Re: Cologuard

eadu4 — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:23:46 GMT

@hckynutjohn YEAHHHH I'm a little confused with that description. Sure the prep is distastful to most, but if you think pooping in a box and sending it in the mail replaces and works better than an actual camera scope diagnosis, where the doctor actually SEES the specific organs in your body and not just the waste products from your dinner last night doesn't understand medicine. Sure Cologuard has a place in a first step if you just don't want to jump into a colonoscopy but NOTHING beats a colonoscopy for definitive results.

Re: Cologuard

lgfan — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 19:01:50 GMT

A colonoscopy is not barbaric like having your breasts mashed every year for a mammogram. I also dragged my feet about a colonoscopy for years after the recommended age for taking one passed. I also used those send in tests for a few years until I finally gave in and had a colonoscopy done this year. I don't know why I hesitated. It wasn't as unpleasant as I thought it would be and everything turned out fine. I don't have to have another one done for another ten years.

Re: Cologuard

beckyb1012 — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 20:40:19 GMT

I was so against a colonoscopy for years and years. My Dr. talked me into Cologuard and it sat on my closet shelf until it expired in August 2020. I just could not bring myself to do that in a box and send it off. Plus if you suffer from internal or external hemorrhoids that can put blood in your stool. Most people have internal hemorrhoids and do not even know it. My first colonscopy last Nov. was a breeze but the prep was not. I have to go back in two years for a recheck. So I am glad I did the gold standard and not the bargain basement kind.

Re: Cologuard

kindred cats — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 21:06:39 GMT

There's nothing to fear about having a colonoscopy. I've had at least 4 with no issues, just a nice healthy colon.

note: I lost my mother and maternal uncle to colon cancer. Any kind of cancer death is a horrible way to die.

Re: Cologuard

chrystaltree — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 23:27:46 GMT

@50Mickey wrote:

I'd skip Cologuard and go for the gold standard colonoscopy. Cologuard cannot see inside the colon and cannot see polyps. Because of my family history, father had colon cancer and his brother had colon cancer and I have had 1 pre-cancerous polyp removed it was recommended that I have a colonoscopy every 3 years. Yes I know the prep is yucky but I look at it a one bad day every 3 years. And it is a way to prevent colon cancer by removing polyps.

With that history, you would not be eligible for Cologuard. Your physician would not prescribe it and Cologuard would not send you a kit. Cologuard is only for people who meet the criteria for being low risk for colon cancer. Cologuard does indicate if there are polyps and then the patient is scheduled for a colonoscopy to remove them. Cologuard does image anything, rather it detects the proteins that are polyps and colon cancer shed.