Has anyone gotten a Cologuard test with anything other than positive or negative?

RandomTroll · 06-23-2025, 05:06 PM

I didn't ask for one; my insurer sent it to me unbidden. They rejected my first 2 attempts because they were too large. The third was positive - that's it: positive - no details. They even paid $8.16 postage to send me a paper copy certified mail. I don't want your personal details, just to know if anyone got anything more detailed.

teckk · 06-23-2025, 07:51 PM

Never used one.

If Cologuard test gave a positive, go to a gastroenterologist and follow up. They will probably want to scope you. Not as bad as it sounds. They give you a drug so that you almost fall asleep. You don't feel anything.

RandomTroll · 06-23-2025, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teckk

If Cologuard test gave a positive, go to a gastroenterologist and follow up.

That's what they say.

Quote:

Originally Posted by teckk

They will probably want to scope you. Not as bad as it sounds. They give you a drug so that you almost fall asleep. You don't feel anything.

I've had 3, never had anaesthesia. The first one, 35 years ago, the physician did it with a scope, didn't even mention anaesthesia. He gave me a daughter scope so I could follow along. The hospital gave him an assistant, who threw up and ran out of the room. The second 2 were cameras; we watched the screen. I've heard about swallowable cameras that transmit their images - Bluetooth? - they want you to recover the camera afterwards.

jmccue · 06-24-2025, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teckk

Never used one.

If Cologuard test gave a positive, go to a gastroenterologist and follow up. They will probably want to scope you. Not as bad as it sounds. They give you a drug so that you almost fall asleep. You don't feel anything.

Yes, good advice.

I use to refuse the drug, and even without it is no big deal. When they changed from using C02 to Nitrogen in the scope, there was no discomfort.

Now I use the drug, the main reason for it is to prevent you from moving which lessens accidents with the scope. That is from a medical person, not the doctor.

RandomTroll · 06-24-2025, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmccue

When they changed from using C02 to Nitrogen in the scope, there was no discomfort.

I have no discomfort. The first time the physician didn't even mention it. And that was with a lumen, eyeballing it directly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmccue

Now I use the drug, the main reason for it is to prevent you from moving which lessens accidents with the scope.

I don't move.

boughtonp · 06-24-2025, 11:14 AM

https://i.etsystatic.com/18771004/r/...31964_fsj9.jpg

?

clueless_dolt · 06-24-2025, 12:05 PM

I wish I could get knocked out for the laxatives, really. THOSE are the worst part about those procedures, imho.
...but I realize that that would, lol, create quite the mess.

I never heard of such a test in Germany, I just go to a checkup every now and then either out of my own accord or if I happen to be in the hospital and "I'm there, so why not".

RandomTroll · 06-24-2025, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clueless_dolt

I never heard of such a test in Germany

Cologuard is so common 'Saturday Night Live' made a fake commercial featuring anthropomorphized Cologuard boxes invading people's homes. My insurer sent it to me unbidden: they know it'll be cheaper for them if I get care sooner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by clueless_dolt

I just go to a checkup every now and then either out of my own accord

German hospitals are different. I was interviewed by a German nurse in the ED. I asked him if he didn't miss the cold, rain, and clouds.

Quote:

Originally Posted by clueless_dolt

if I happen to be in the hospital and "I'm there, so why not".

Because you may get unnecessary care.

sundialsvcs · 06-24-2025, 10:06 PM

I have received several of these unsolicited boxes over the years, and I simply threw them away. "Your insurance company" never actually asked you to take their test – but they will bill your insurance company if you do! It is certainly a very peculiar form of marketing.

RandomTroll · 06-25-2025, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sundialsvcs

I have received several of these unsolicited boxes over the years, and I simply threw them away. "Your insurance company" never actually asked you to take their test – but they will bill your insurance company if you do! It is certainly a very peculiar form of marketing.

My insurance company both messaged me and sent me regular mail about it.