Anyone have a positive Cologuard test?

Posted by dazlin @dazlin, Nov 21, 2019

My test results came back positive. I asked what did it show, because they test for 11 different cancers or categories. They said, it just states either negative or positive for cancer. I had problems a few years back and did a colonoscopy, which came back ok. Now this!! I'm reading theres a 13 percent chance of false positive. Right now I'm extremely distraught about having to go through all Consults, tests, and dreaded preps. Orders are in for Consult with gastro, but they're booked out through January or February in Mayo. I have not received any notice for appointment yet. Dont know what to think or do.

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12fireflies | @12fireflies | Oct 13 1:56pm

In reply to @jofree "@12fireflies Excellent advice and kind thoughts. Thanks for sharing. Joseph" + (show)

@jofree thank you. I share what works for me, nothing else. I have been blessed with several chronic illnesses. This has persuaded me to take care of myself and do a LOT of research!
(which I was already doing) for other people) needed to know for other complicated issues. I would rather know answers up front than to wait to be told. I like homeopathic methods, whereas Dr’s prefer their ways. It all works out the same. Staying positive. 🙏

jofree | @jofree | Oct 13 5:56pm

Great Attitude! Stay positive. Joseph

mvb1213 | @mvb1213 | Oct 14 7:59am

I too had a positive Cologuard the first of September. I tried to book Mayo but was told no Gasterology appointments at this time. I have been trying locally (I live 1 1/2 hours south of Tucson. Have a consult in Tucson on October 28th. I pray no cancer as I had my right kidney removed a year and half ago due to cancer. It makes me a wreck as they tell you your next step is a colonoscopy. I find it harder and harder to see doctors in a timely manner any more.

jofree | @jofree | Oct 14 6:14pm

In reply to @mvb1213 "I too had a positive Cologuard the first of September. I tried to book Mayo but..." + (show)

@mvb1213
Hello @mvb1213
Anxiety of any kind always ramps up the situation and usually we deteriorate very quickly without any answers. When I was first diagnosed with Colon Cancer in 1999, I went to local hospitals and any Doctor that would see me. In my attempts to control my situation I made several bad calls, just to get answers and it could have cost me my life.
After several months and being told to prepare "my will" by a physicians Mayo Clinic Jacksonville called me and I was admitted within three days. I underwent a Colectomy and all of my large colon was removed and I was left with a colostomy. That was in 1999. Currently my wife and I ride our bikes about 100 miles per week, usually in State Parks and we have experienced an affection towards one another that is much greater in affection than when we first met over 35 years ago. Just be patient and pray in your own way for the answers you seek. At 80 year young, I am still learning the significance of having patients, tolerance and understanding of the things I cannot change. One day at the time. That is all any of us ever really have. Bless your patience.
Joseph

vernscw | @vernscw | Oct 15 11:23pm

In reply to @mvb1213 "I too had a positive Cologuard the first of September. I tried to book Mayo but..." + (show)

@mvb1213
Don't give up trying to get into Mayo. The first time I filled out the online form I was told they don't take my insurance. I waited a few weeks and filled out the online form and was told the same as you they were not taking urology patients. I waited a month and called on the phone and received an appointment. I was very happy even though the appointment was for 7 weeks in the future. This was September 2024. I'm also in Arizona.

mvb1213 | @mvb1213 | Oct 27 7:57am

Still waiting on a colonoscopy has been 6 weeks since finding out my Cologuard was positive. I am now having severe pain on the lower left side of the abdomen radiating sometimes to my back. Called Mayo (Phoenix) said they would pass on to the Dr who removed my right kidney over 18 mos ago. I am hoping it is nothing, so hard to get doctors to respond these days. Has anyone else experienced pain like this?

jellybean25 | @jellybean25 | 5 days ago

I am 47 female and had Cologuard test positive result today for the first time. Never had colonoscopy either before. I started searching everything online what could cause positive result, I learned it could be certain medications and foods that are possible causes. I also found out that your doctor would give you instructions on what not to eat before this type of test. Long story short, some of the things I take and ate when I did the test was high dose of NSAID, Iron supplement that I take everyday and food that contain pork blood (a delicacy). My doctor never gave me instructions to my surprise so I don’t know if these things may have caused the positive result. Thank you.

SusanEllen66 | @SusanEllen66 | 5 days ago

In reply to @jellybean25 "I am 47 female and had Cologuard test positive result today for the first time. Never..." + (show)

@jellybean25
I did so I had a colonoscopy. At 70 it was the best thing to do.

rashida | @rashida | 4 days ago

In reply to @jellybean25 "I am 47 female and had Cologuard test positive result today for the first time. Never..." + (show)

@jellybean25 you are right. Certain foods and medications need to be stopped before doing the test as they could affect the result. The food and medications you mentioned could have been the cause of your positive test. Most kits give you instructions on what you should avoid before taking the test, but your doctor definitely should have told you.

But I wouldn’t assume your Cologuard test was positive because of what you ate, although that does seem to be the reason. Your doctor would be the best person to determine that.