Hi everyone... I am at that stage in my life where I must be examined for colon cancer because according to my doctor it is wise to do so... My question is which would be the better option? I know people who hve been happy with cologuard because it is non-invasive and has a effective level of detection beyond 90%... That said, a colonoscopy can detect polyps which cannot be done with cologuard. On a personal note, my mom had be bowel punctured from a colonoscopy which is why this decision is so difficult. I would appreciate hearing about some of your experiences and how you felt about afterward about your decision. Thank you!
Wayyyyy OT AKB: Colonoscopy or Cologuard
- Thread starter WSTLion87
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My dad nearly died last Winter during his check up, spent 2 nights in the hospital nearly bleeding to death. I plan on going with the cologuard route
If there is any hint of higher risk - like family history of cancer or polyps, then I'd go for the colonoscopy. I'm a high risk because my brother hand colon cancer and they always seem to find polyps in my colon. I think I've had maybe 5 colonoscopies in the past 10-12 years.
I have a colonoscopy scheduled for Tuesday. I really wish I hadn't opened this thread now.
The worst part of the colonoscopy is refraining from eating. The procedure took like 10 minutes.
Agreed. The worst part is the "prep".
Like you I've reached the age where my doctor recommended a colonoscopy-had it and endoscopy done at the same time. Didn't have any problems and was home in under 4 hours. Only drawback was the "flushing procedure" but results came back positive and was told I'm good for another 10 years unless problems occur.
+1 and EVERY commercial you see on TV is about food.
The procedure for the most part is the easy part. The stuff I had to drink was another story. by the end of my second bottle I thought this is coming out one way or the other.
It seems that different drs. or colonoscopy places use different things to prep with so maybe mine was worse than others.
Preparation is horrible. But the research is clear that preventive colonscopies save lives. Clearly with the very old and those who have severe health problems drs. should be cautious in ordering them.
Had the right of passage colonoscopy when I turned 50. I am on the 5 year plan to get another even though I was clean at first one. Family history of polyps. The first time thru wasn't as bad as it was made our to be. The prep is not fun but not that bad, the first drink went down just fine, the 2nd one was a little rougher but all in all I lost 10 pounds in a day!! Best 20 minute sleep I ever had too!!(They knocked me out) I can't see myself pooping in a box and then dropping it in the mail. I am going to go with the colonoscopy again this year.
Exactly . Just keep in mind That a Colorguard "negative" retest for (your peace in mind) test is not covered under most insurance. And a positive retest is NOT is covered by most insurance, Good luck!
i'm still young (40) however I have a family history so this year I started testing. Initially thought i'd have to get the old 1 finger salute, but after talking to my GP, he suggested the cologuard (blood test) until we start to get some abnormal readings, then go more invasive.
I recently did Cologuard and it came back positive so I had to have a colonosopy and they found nothing. When Cologuard came back positive my doc told me not to be too concerned because it happens often. My advice would be to do the Colorguard and cross your fingers that it comes back negative.
If you choose the colonosopy, make sure to make the appointment as early in the morning as possible because the fasting is horrible after not eating the day prior.
Point of clarification: if the results came back positive, you have problems. If they come back negative, there are no problems
Interesting timing.... just had my 2nd colonoscopy this year yesterday (earlier was January). Had the 2nd one because the Jan one the gastro dr wanted to biopsy some items before removing them (risk of bleeding). Yesterday he removed several small polyps. I'm waiting for lab reports but I suspect I'm going to be on the annual schedule.
As others have said... worst part (by far) is the prep the day before. Need to fast and take some roto rooter (I had Sutab) to purge the system.
As others have said... worst part (by far) is the prep the day before. Need to fast and take some roto rooter (I had Sutab) to purge the system.
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening. Cologuard, while less intrusive and inconvenient, has limitations. It may detect abnormalities, but it doesn’t give a diagnosis. If a cologuard test detects an abnormality, guess what the next step is……a colonoscopy for further evaluation and diagnosis. As with any procedure, there is a small risk of complications, but the risk of not having one outweighs those risks. Colorectal cancer rates have been rising in younger people. As someone else has pointed out also, there have been some issues with insurance companies when combining Cologuard and colonoscopy. I have heard that is largely resolved, but I can’t confirm that. Ask questions if you decide on Cologuard.
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but the best part is eating anything you want the next day and not feeling guilty!! At least I dont!
You are correct, My Friend. I meant the results were positive/favorable in the tests showed no abnormalities
With the high incidence of false positives (13-14%) and negatives (8%), Cologuard seems pointless to me.
"I lost 10 pounds in a day"
lol... you really teed it up with that, I'll let slide this time.
When I popped up awake after my colonoscopy I said, "Hey, someone owes me dinner and a movie".
No one but me laughed.
I think I am turning into the characters in the GEICO commercials "don't turn into your parents".
Oh... and the prep is 100x worse then the procedure. I am guessing it was originally developed for folks at gitmo
No one but me laughed.
I think I am turning into the characters in the GEICO commercials "don't turn into your parents".
Oh... and the prep is 100x worse then the procedure. I am guessing it was originally developed for folks at gitmo
That’s because everybody in that room has already heard that line thousands of times from someone who thought they were the first to say it.
You will be fine. I’ve had 5 with no issues. Day before/prep is the worst part.I have a colonoscopy scheduled for Tuesday. I really wish I hadn't opened this thread now.
My advice for colonoscopy prep is that when you feel that first twinge go to the bathroom immediately. Do not wait for a commercial etc because you will probably need a clean change of shorts by then.
Shipping address for Cologuard samples:
Schembechler Hall
1200 S. State St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Schembechler Hall
1200 S. State St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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You guys over dramatize the prep. I’ve had at least 8 colonoscopies in 6 years. It’s not that bad. Just like your college days drinking skunked keg beer. Pinch your nose and chug. Easy peasy. I schedule mine for a 6a arrival time so I’m not fasting across two days. The only trade off is I’m on the commode much of the night before.
They have pills now, you down 10-12 pills ,one pill every 15-30 seconds with water around 5 PM.
And again at 5 AM to clean the rest out.
Works in 30 minutes. Lost 5-7 lbs
Mine was a piece of cake. If you can get past drinking the two bottles of prep then all the time the bathroom, the procedure is simple. I went to sleep and then they had to wake me up when it was over. Didn't feel a thing.
I’ve had two colonoscopies… the prep for me is even worse than it is for most, because I apparently have a “slow gut” which means it takes me a long time to clear out. I literally have to start a low fiber diet a week in advance, then move to the clear liquids diet for about the last three days. I still have to cross my fingers when I go for the procedure that it’ll be sufficiently clear for the doctors to see anything — if not, “Sorry! Let’s schedule another try for next month!”
Now THAT sucks.
Now THAT sucks.
This^^^. From what I have heard some/ many insurance companies allow for 1 test (colonoscopy or cologuard). If you go the cologuard route and it finds something you need to have a colonoscopy and apparently insurance balks at paying for both.
The prep is irritating but colonoscopy is the best way to go. If they see anything they can snare/ biopsy it at the same time. 1 stop shopping.
Just remember if you are having both the upper and lower ask the doctor to do the upper first.
I'm 74 so I have had several colonoscopies. When I took my first one when I turned 50 the prep was much worse. It was the only time I felt I needed a seat belt on the toilet. I thought that NASA was experimenting with a new propulsion system. Anyway the prep now is better but still no fun, and agree with many here to schedule early in the AM. One very important point when you go in ( or telephone in) for the health review be sure to give the person a copy of all the medications you are taking. At my last, something went wrong and they lost my list. As a result when I showed up they refused to put me under because of one of the things I was taking. So I went through the prep for nothing and had to do it again a week later. Be sure to emphasize which medications you should stop taking and when you should stop taking the medication.
Good Luck
Good Luck