Cologuard
 

Saw all the ads on tv and primary care ordered one for me. $649 billed to Medicare.
The results were positive and colonoscopy was needed.
The gastro Doctor gave me a look over her glasses like are you kidding. Hinted that a great number of results are false positive.
Had the procedure and pollops were benign.
So go for the colonoscopy first and save anxiety of false results.

Sounds like good advice. Glad it turned out well for you.

After 75 colonoscopy usually are no longer needed, unless you have Polyps. Either way Medicare will pay no matter how old you are

My Gastroenterologist said the same thing. He doesn't recommend it because there are too many false positives. Just get regular colonoscopies.

I thought the "positive" was just to show there was something suspicious that needed further examination.

In your case, if my assumption was correct, then the positive wasn't false at all. It showed there was something that needed further examination. The polyps.

Personally though I'd go for the colonoscopy. Had one once so far, it was the most traumatic lead-up to a nothing-burger I'd ever experienced. The prep was truly the worst part, plus getting my blood pressure down while I was in the waiting room before they wheeled me into the procedure room.

I walked out of there like a champ, no problems, no discomfort, nothing. I still hate the whole thing, but it won't ever scare me again now that I've seen for myself how much of "absolutely no big deal" it really is.

From the Cologuard Website: What does a positive result mean? A negative result?
A positive result does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. It means that Cologuard detected DNA and/or hemoglobin biomarkers in the stool which are associated with colon cancer or precancer. False positives and false negatives occur with Cologuard and appropriate follow-up is important. Patients with a positive result should have a diagnostic colonoscopy. Patients with a negative diagnostic colonoscopy following a positive Cologuard result do not require additional clinical evaluation.

A negative result means that Cologuard did not detect significant levels of DNA and/or hemoglobin biomarkers in the stool which are associated with colon cancer or precancer. False positives and false negatives occur with Cologuard and appropriate follow-up is important. If you have a negative result, you should continue in a screening program appropriate for you, recommended by your doctor. Cologuard is recommended by the American Cancer Society every 3 years.

This is the route I have chosen for a long time. For me, I choose to Bet My Life On This Test. It may not work for others and I understand that. I had one Colonoscopy Many "Moons" Ago. It was not a thrill for me. Cologuard #1. If I'm wrong, oh well! My Doctor speaks highly of this alternative.

At 72 I've had my last colonoscopy

Things can happen in the small intestines too, neither of those tests will detect that. I'm having the pillcam next week. Pillcam is only necessary in certain cases. Prep not quite as bad as for regular colonoscopy!

Has anyone NOT GOTTEN a positive result from cologuard?
Sounds like a good money making deal.

Have used a similar product that my physician provides, at least 4 tests over the last 4 years, all negative, still due for one more colonoscopy, next year.

I did, got a negative. Meaning 97% assurance all is well. Easier and more convenient than a colostomy but a tad disgusting.

Yes, my friend got a negative result.

Don't you hate it when someone suggests using Google to answer a basic question. I guess they do it because a lot of basic questions can be answered by just looking for answers.

What is the false positive rate for Cologuard?

answer 13%

That was easy.

Definitely better than a colostomy! :icon_wink:

Pls do a google to understand the difference between a colonoscopy and a colostomy..