Anyone have a positive Cologuard test?
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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Don't go online for ! Save your questions and voice your anxieties with your Doctors only. Speculating about anything regarding your health only create more anxiety and unanswerable questions. Pray to your higher power and save your energy for whatever comes your way.
I am still alive, with a Colostomy since 1999 and my wife and I ride our bikes about 100 miles per week and enjoy each day as it come. We have learned that worry can actually make us ill with stress. So, move a muscle, change your mood and stay involved with life. Joseph
Hi. First, I would start breathing exercises. Begin by lying down, for comfort. It’s very easy. Breathe through your nose, in & hold for a 1.2. count. Repeat for a count of 12.
While lying down, notice how your body feels. The mind stops racing, every part of you relaxes. From your toes to the hair on your head. Keeping notes of how you feel after the exercise. Lie still for a while to feel the difference in your body. This exercise is what you can do anytime of day or night. Wherever you are. It’s helpful when going to bed. (I didn’t notice until I woke up the next morning, how much better I felt)
Another helpful habit is about 1 hour before bed, fill the tub with warm/hot water. To your liking. Pour in a few cups of Epsom salts and soak until the water begins to cool. This practice will help reduce muscle tension all over.
These 2 things will help your mind and body to relax and become accustomed to the feeling. Sometimes I put on some calming music while relaxing in the tub.
My favorite salt to use is pink Himalayan salt. The difference is quite interesting. I changed my salt intake to pink Himalayan salt, for my food prep as well. It’s much better for the body.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. If you would like someone to talk with, I’m available in the evening. Central time. Be good to yourself. Your body will thank you too.
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1 ReactionI, too, had a positive Colo-guard test result. And I certainly can empathize with your anxiety. As it turns out, my subsequent colonoscopy indicated nothing wrong. I was one of many whose Cologuard test resulted in a false positive. I hope the same is true for you. The false positive result for Cologuard is about 13%.
B
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1 Reaction@johnwilliamson
I just did my cologuard test and it came back with abnormal results. So I’m still numb from reading that online. I was told my results were sent to my Dr that ordered it and that I will most likely get a call from him to schedule an appt with gastroenterologist.
It’s been only 4 days since I got the results and waiting for Dr to call before end v of week. It it’s Wednesday. If I get no call then I will call him. My insurance allows for me to make these kind of appts if there is a legitimate reason, I don’t need a referral from my Dr. so I am not allowing myself to be terrified about the results, which is very hard to do.
I’ve already told my daughter and she’s been very positive. She we don’t need to worry until we need to worry. I agree. I try to be very practical but finding my nerves are getting a little stretched.
I’ve read what I could that’s available to read. We don’t have a history of cancer in our family.
I haven’t until just recently had blood in my stool. But I also have hemorrhoids which I’ve been told can give false positives. I’ve had blood in my stool on and off over the years but I’ve given that over to a large bowel movement or my hemorrhoids or too much wiping because of diarrhea but never cancer.
So I’m nervous. I know they’ve said it could just be polyps but whatever the case may be the bottom line is that it came back “abnormal”.
I am 63. I will be doing all I can do to fight it if it turns out that I need too. But I’m praying I don’t. I totally agree about being active on your part to get better. I hope all is well with you.
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1 Reactioncologuard saved my life had all symptoms of rectal cancer which I found out after everything was said and done felt I had hemmmhorids wrong anal cancer After 3 doctors wanting to do a surgery or go died I made a trip to Mayos Much different positive attitude to treatment and NO surgery with a bag for life. I am clear of cancer now for 6 months thanks to Mayos positive working with patients All local hospitals wanted to do was crave up my body & then go live a crummy life and die. It was a 2 year trip ups & downs but as they say take it day by day & you will make it. NOW get to a real hospital Mayos on 3 locations Sloan Kettering in New York or MG Anderson Texas . Just go and save you life These folks want to work with you to live
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5 ReactionsI’m sorry you’re dealing with this—it’s natural to feel anxious about a positive Cologuard test, bleeding for a year, and recent stomach pain. These symptoms are concerning, but they don’t automatically mean the worst. Let’s break it down based on medical insights and public experiences, focusing on clarity and hope while addressing your question about others’ outcomes.
A positive Cologuard test detects abnormal DNA or blood in the stool, signaling possible colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps, but it’s not a diagnosis. It has a 13% false-positive rate, so 1 in 10 positives may not indicate serious issues. Your year-long bleeding and recent pain make the colonoscopy essential to identify the cause. Bleeding could stem from benign conditions like hemorrhoids (common, especially if bright red), anal fissures, or inflammatory bowel disease, but colorectal cancer is possible, especially with persistent symptoms. Stomach pain could relate to gastritis, diverticulitis, or, less commonly, cancer. Sharing details like blood color or pain triggers with your doctor will help.
Public discussions, like on Reddit, show varied outcomes. One person with a positive Cologuard and mild bleeding found only fissures during their colonoscopy, treated non-surgically. Another had no symptoms but a positive test; their colonoscopy revealed a benign polyp, removed easily, with follow-up screening planned. A third case involved bleeding and a positive result, leading to a cancer diagnosis, but early detection allowed effective treatment. These reflect a spectrum: many positive Cologuard results lead to benign findings or treatable polyps, though cancer is possible.
The colonoscopy is key—it’s highly accurate, visualizing the colon to detect polyps, cancer, or other issues. If polyps are found, they’re often removed on the spot, preventing cancer. If cancer is detected, early stages (I-II) have a 90%+ 5-year survival rate with treatment. Your symptoms are serious but don’t assume the worst—many causes are manageable. Prepare for your colonoscopy by following prep instructions and discussing symptoms with your doctor. Outcomes vary, but early investigation improves chances for a positive resolution. Stay strong—you’re taking the right step.
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3 ReactionsI just took the colorguard test and it came back positive now I have to go in for a colonoscopy I have been bleeding for about a year now and my stomach has been hurting for a couple of months I feel like these are bad signs has anyone else had these issues and what is the outcome please
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1 ReactionI had positive, also. It turned out to be a pre-cancer polyp. If I hadn't had the Cologuard, that polyp would be cancer before my next colonoscopy.
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7 ReactionsGood news, @SusanEllen66. Phew. Kinda like taking your car in when a light is on in the dash and then the car mechanic determines nothing is wrong.
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6 ReactionsHmmm. If it was me I’d be celebrating. Small annoyance compared to alternative.
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5 Reactions