Cologuard testing versus colonoscopy

[humbird753]

I am due for a colonoscopy this year, but rather than doing the colonoscopy procedure my doctor told me about a Cologuard home test I can take. I was thrilled that this was an option for me. The kit arrived in the mail and I've been reading the literature provided. The unfortunate part for me is that the test can't be taken if certain things are present... diarrhea is one of them. I continue to eliminate gluten, dairy and soy from my diet. There is no doubt that the diarrhea I am experiencing is stress related. I won't go into the details of the circumstances, but it has been VERY stressful for both me and my husband. Unfortunately for me it is manifesting in this way. Has anyone else here ever taken Cologuard or any other type of at-home testing? I am trying to figure out how to stop the diarrhea so I can use the test kit.

[Marcia K]

Hi, Paula. I'll be waiting for replies because I'm due for a colonoscopy this year, too and I don't think I'm going to have one. It's five years since my diagnosis and the GI's office called to schedule but I didn't return the call.

[humbird753]

Hi Marcia - I understand what you're saying. I was due for my 5-year colonoscopy a couple of years ago. I refused to have one as I was afraid of disrupting how well everything was going.
It was okay with my doctor because I never had any polyps. This year I decided I'd do the at-home testing. Hopefully the results will be good, and I won't need a colonoscopy.

[Deb]

Paula, I did the Cologuard after a few years of a regular colonoscopy. I told my Mayo Dr. I was unwilling to do the regular one but have been mostly diarrhea free for a few years. I had polyps for a couple of years but didn't the last time so requested the Cologuard. She was receptive. All was well. Deb

[humbird753]

Thank you, Deb. I go to a doctor at Mayo also. I haven't had D for about 4-1/2 years. The stress-induced diarrhea just occurred the last couple of weeks. Maybe I'll adjust and my system will settle down so I can do the test.

[Deb]

Paula, I hope the stressors get better and your body settles down soon. Deb

[humbird753]

I want to mention something my doctor said at the end of my annual physical in August. Knowing the stress we are going through, my doctor said my biggest health risk at this time is a flare-up of my LC due to the stress. I replied by saying, "yes, even if I'm doing everything right according to my food sensitivities, etc., you're right that stress can have a huge impact on LC. She completely agreed with me. I was surprised she even knew that! My last visit was in January of this year, and that was the first time she said foods we eat are linked to MC. It sounds like they are beginning to understand MC. I was diagnosed in 2010 and up until this year, everything I said fell on deaf ears. If anyone is curious, I go to the Mayo Clinic located in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

[tex]

Paula,



Tex