Anyone have a positive Cologuard test?

Hi @bjmc, I moved your messages to this existing discussion about the Cologuard test.
- Anyone have a positive Cologuard test? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-have-a-positive-cologuard-test/

I did this so you can read previous posts and connect easily with other members like @foreigngoddess @pstevens2987 @nlg @mothermary1 @jakedduck1 @gmaha67 and others.

@bjmc, I'm not sure who among the members in this discussion group also had symptoms before getting the test. It sounds like you made the right choice to get the Cologuard test since the positive status of the test along with possible symptoms resulted in your getting a colonoscopy appointment sooner.

I can imagine you're scared. But as someone who has had pre-cancerous polyps and a father who had colon cancer, I can tell you that colon cancer progresses very slowly. Getting tested and the colonoscopy is the best thing you can do for your health right now. It may discover a GI issue or nothing at all. IF there is cancer, you can get early treatment. That's a good thing.

You're biggest job right now is to reduce your stress or not fret. That's easier said than done. What helps to distract you or calm you down?

I want to hear from someone who was diagnosed AFTER they were having symptoms & what there outcome was.

I’m a 52yo woman. I’ve had symptoms (constipation, bloated) for approx 5 months. I took a cologuard test because I was told that it would be a couple of months before they could get me in for a colonoscopy. ( I live in MT.). My test came back positive 01/05. I’m scheduled for a colonoscopy 01/18. Is there a chance it could still be precancerous even though I’ve had symptoms for a few months? I’m scared.

Found this forum as I was trying to alleviate my worry from a positive Cologuard test. I am 45 and this was my first testing for this sort of thing. When they called me they just said it was positive for either blood and/or altered DNA but cant say which it is. The follow up "dr" they have you can chat with says that blood is unlikely due to hemorrhoids (but I have seen the opposite on other health websites). Either way, I do have my first Colonoscopy scheduled for Friday. Wish I had never done the Cologuard test and just stuck with the Colonoscopy because now I am truly worried especially with so many people dying from Colon cancer in the news the last few years.

Yes I will be on to the low residue diet - my normal diet is along those lines - and I will be asking for the CLENPIQ. Thanks.

Thanks guys for the great tips. I have taken them to heart for sure. I really hate to sound like such a wimp but it's because I've had 3 major surgeries in my life, and none of them actually went without some serious problems along the way. One was a shoulder surgery that was ruined in the recovery room and had to be done again a few days later. And if I had not been very vigilant while on the operating table before the second try they just might have made the same mistake again. The day of a double hernia operation that I had last year probably qualifies as the most miserable day of my life - from 4am in the morning until 10:30pm that night in the emergency room. That's a long day for a 76 yr old. I know that a colonoscopy shouldn't be that bad, but with the prep and possible aftermath and some of my other already ongoing problems I'm having trouble getting up for it.
I really think that I have just been unlucky. I understand that my experiences have not been normal. Or I certainly hope not. And I know that other folks have been through waaay more suffering than I ever even dreamed about. I just still can't conjure up the trust in the medical system that I once had. Thanks again.

I’ve never had the experience of Cologuard. I had a rare malignant GIST at 33 and have been having yearly colonoscopy and endoscopy for the past 19 years.
Honestly. The prep isn’t bad. There are also ways to make it very much easier to get a clean prep.
First, 3-5 before the prep day, start eating a low residue diet, this means white bread, white rice, pasta, chicken breast, apple sauce etc. when prep day rolls round it makes it easier to eliminate everything.
So far the very best prep I’ve had is CLENPIQ so ask for that. It’s just 2 small bottles and they taste fine.
The next game changer, for me anyway is that you can eat gummy candy as long as it’s not the red blue or purple ones. This helps so much with “mouth feel” and satisfaction, I’ve never really done jello, I just stick with bone broth to fill me up.
I hope these tips help.
The test itself is a piece of cake and literally lifesaving.
I wish you a positive experience.

Thanks for the insight. Good luck to you and I hope I have a little myself.

I agree with JoAnn, In my opinion Cologuard is not a great test. I had one in 2021 that was negative. I was living my life normally for a 77 yr old lady with type 2 Diabetes. To make a long story shorter, I had an emergency colonoscopy and found a 5 cm colon cancer. After having part of my colon removed, I am now am fine but will need regular surveillance. If you have a positive Cologuard, you will need a colonoscopy anyway. Always get the test with the best success by the person who does the best.
The prep is a PAIN, you are correct. But, drink plenty using the electrolyte drinks that are readily available and dehydration will not be a problem.

Morning, In my opinion Cologuard is not a great test. I think the colonoscopy is far more accurate. The prep has gotten a lot better. Talk to your doctor. I have issues with low electrolytes so I had a tough time but got through it fine. Maybe talk to your endocrinologist prior how you can stay on top of not getting dehydrated.
In the end it really is a simple test that you get to sleep through. They will give you an IV to help with your dehydration. I think you can get through this if you talk to your doctors first about avoiding dehydration. They have smaller prep bottles now as well. During the fast part of the exam find sugarless drinks like power-aid. Drink smart water and eat sugar free jello. I do agree the test you did has false positives but you want to be sure. Since your not going till early next year maybe start talking to your PCP for help prepping and this Gastro doctor. I have to take a laxative every weekend so I know dehydration well. I chose to not have a total colectomy in 2021 and live this life of weekly laxatives. It works for me. I also take low dose potassium supplements to help with my weekend issues. Best of luck. I think you can find a way to get through it. I hope you have a wonderful holiday…Joanne