There's a fairly high false positive rate so let's hope it's that! In any case it's better to know early.

Have you had a colonoscopy before? It's really not that bad. I have one scheduled for next Friday and it will be my 2nd.

Best wishes for a great outcome! I am sure you'll be just fine. I had no idea this test even existed.

Also, is it a colorectal surgeon? I think gastroenterologists are the best choice for these.

I just went through something similar. I was told I might have a splenic artery aneurysm,. Turned out to be a harmless cyst. Don’t panic.Therers a very good chance all is well.

Under the surgeon's bio it says he is a "general surgeon", deals with the organs of the abdomen, stomach, and colon".

dedtired, I thought I remembered you were the one with the positive result. Gosh, that tentative diagnosis would have made you a little worried that's for sure. I've had no symptoms as far as noticing blood or any pain, just diarrhea.

My doctor has been after me to get a colonoscopy, maybe this is his way of doing it! ha Chi, I have not had one before.

A *surgeon*? Isn't that a bit previous? DH and I have had many colonoscopies, always with a gastro -- who will remove any simple polyps and biopsy any that seem 'suspicious'. Anyway...good luck!

Schoolhouse, don't worry, they really aren't that bad. The fasting and prep are by far the worst part! They will likely give you some sedatives to relax you and you'll sleep through the whole thing. I woke up a bit during mine but I just watched the screen - it's pretty interesting. I didn't feel anything.

Also the first meal afterwards is the best thing ever. I am already looking forward to that meal next week!

I do think it's worth considering having a gastro do it, especially with a positive result. They have the most specialized training and experience. Mine does dozens a week.

Timely. I am going for mine in a few weeks. it will be my third. Yes, the prep is the worst part, but you get through it.

The prep isn't all that bad either, especially if you follow the instructions to avoid heavy foods the day or two before starting the prep: less in, less out. Chill the beverage, drink it through a straw, have a clock and a book or distraction handy for the bathroom time. Colon cancer runs in my family, so I've been on a two-year cycle "forever." I consider my life has already been saved by this simple procedure.

I am shocked that you were referred to a surgeon first unless you had additional testing that was not mentioned. There are steps/tests that should be carried out first before even mentioning surgery. I think a call to whoever referred you to the surgeon is in order to find out why so quickly. While the additional testing, colonoscope/MRI/CT is needed and that is not normally ordered by a surgeon but your regular physician. Another call would be to the surgeon's office to see if there are any tests that the surgeon would like you to have before the appointment. Good luck with your surgeon's appointment but do not be surprised if they do not order additional testing to simply decide if you actually need surgery.

Sending special thoughts your way!

Colon cancer runs in my family (grandmother and mother died of it), and so my siblings and I have to have colonoscopies every three years or so. For me, they always find polyps, which they remove, and so I have avoided that cancer. My youngest brother was not so lucky, but at least he is cancer free now, but only after surgery. We are also prone to basal cell carcinoma, and I had some of that removed a couple of months ago. I have to go to the dermatologist every six months now. I have a slight scar on my chest now, but at least it was not on my face.

Good luck with your procedure. Make sure that you have someone with you.

When the office called, I asked if the doctor was a surgeon and she said yes. I had asked because I thought I had him confused with another doctor. They have similar Italian names. Perhaps he anticipates removal of polyps, I don't know. This is all new to me. In fact, I haven't had any health problems to speak of and no surgeries of any kind. I only go to the doctor if very ill or for six month check-ups. Check ups are always good, blood work good etc.

I'm sorry, I was under the impression that you were of an age when colonoscopies are considered a very important diagnostic test in the prevention of colon cancer.

I would think that a gastroenterologist would be the first step for you, then a visit to a surgeon, if required. I have a colonoscopy every three years and usually have a polyp or two snipped out during the procedure. No big deal at all.

Let us know what happens.

I had a colonoscopy and my sister had the cologuard test. She got a call from the nurse saying that she needed to come in for an appt, two weeks out, on May 1st. The nurse would not tell her what for.

I would highly suggest going to a gastroenterologist as opposed to a surgeon for your colonoscopy. I am an anesthetist, and provide sedation for both a general surgeon and a gastroenterologist who do scopes at our hospital. The gastro does a far better job, he can see polyps that are difficult to see-they are flat and many providers miss them. That is their specialty, it is not a surgeon's specialty. And yes, I wouldn't worry because there are many false positives with the cologuard exam.

Jewels, that is unacceptable. I would have your sister call back and find out exactly what the reason for the appointment is. Be polite, but firm.

Don't worry too much, from what I've read bleeding from hemorrhoids can cause a positive cologuard test and there are many false positives. The fact that your blood work is good is encouraging too!!

Well as I said up above, his bio does say he is a surgeon who deals with organs of the abdomen, stomach, and colon. In fact, he is the doctor that I had an appt. a year ago for a stomach probe because I was experiencing lots of gas and general stomach issues. My doctor said he would make an appt. with this doctor for me if I wanted to have my stomach looked at. I also have acid reflux. He made the appt. for me but in the meantime I felt better and decided it was no big deal and canceled the appt. I know, I know. I apologize for not bringing this up sooner.

That is funny annie. Reminds of what the neighbor man did. The nurses talked him into playing a joke on the doctor who was to give him his colonoscopy. The nurses gave him some fake poo and had my neighbor put it under him as he lay on the exam table. I guess the doctor lifted up the sheet and yelled and left the room! Everyone had a good laugh at his expense.

I've had melanoma on my back. Had it surgically removed in 2014. I just recently had a colonoscopy with a gastroenterologist that I hadn't met before. He was reading my chart and commented on the melanoma. I suggested that during my procedure he could do a little skin check back there for me.

I’m going to get my first colonoscopy this year. I just need to find a dr and schedule. I was hesitant but posts I’ve read here convinced me to do it. Doesn’t sound too bad. Do you go in and meet the dr and get instructions and prep kit first or just pick up a kit. Dr will forward records onceI schedule I imagine the prep is the night before, eat light meals a day or two before that? Can you opt to stay awake and watch the screen? How long is the procedure generally? Are you alert enough to understand and remember what dr tells you afterwards?? Best wishes Schoolhouse. I read somewhere ( don’t recall right now, might have been FB which may or may not be true) that if you do cologuard first that insurance won’t cover a colonoscopy because it’s no longer diagnostic. Find out the cost beforehand to avoid surprises.

Lisa, you'll meet with the doctor first who will schedule it (though that might be different for routine screening). He or she will prescribe what you need to take. My instructions are to fast the whole day before (broth, some Jello and such are allowed - you'll get a list) and then start the prep at night and then I have to do a second dose at 3 am.

You can stay awake, but most people in the US get sedation. It's usually conscious sedation so you'll be able to respond but you won't remember. There's a good chance you won't remember everything the doctor says, but you'll be required to bring someone with you due to the sedation so they can help with those details. The doctor will also call you afterwards usually. The results procedure might be different if something serious is found, but I don't know as mine have been normal so far. Some can do it without sedation but it can range from painless to painful depending on the person.

Procedure takes about 20-30 minutes I think. Mine starts at 7, it's 30 min prep, vitals, IV, then the procedure is at 7:30 and I'm leaving the office by 8:30. You'll take a little nap afterward the procedure til you wake up and you'll feel woozy for a little while.

It's really not bad! For me the 24 hour fasting is the worst part.

My Cologuard test came back positive also, I was supposed to have my colonoscopy tomorrow, with husband being in the hospital I rescheduled for week after next. I have some tummy issues but I’m trying not to worry.

I think it's very preferable to have it done by a gastroenterologist. A busy one who does them by the dozens each week. As sleepblues advised, hers is an informed opinion with inside knowledge.

Don't hesitate to get in your car and drive if there's not a reasonable choice of GI docs nearby.

It is probably different in different areas and insurance companies but the ones I have had my primary doctor's office sent a referral to a clinic that was on my insurance company's list. Once it was approved at the insurance company the clinic called me with dates and times so I could chose. As far as kits I have picked up a kit at the clinic office, told what to purchase at the pharmacy which contained the instructions which might also include instructions for additional laxatives to be purchased. also one time the clinic expected the doctor's office to tell me what to use except they had not so things had to be rescheduled. I advise drinking lots of water and although you may not need it a small container of Vaseline. If you do need to use it you will probably want to throw the rest away.

Until I was on the table I never met the doctor that was doing the procedure. I do not think they are using the same stuff as they used fentanyl then. Left you feeling relaxed and feeling good. I asked for copies of any pictures they took the last time. While things may have changed where I went they wanted you to have someone drive you home and check on you for 12 hours.

I had my last a couple of months ago. The doc keeps removing benign polyps during every one so far. But, at age 74 the doctor said this would be the last regularly scheduled one, unless something untoward happens, requiring another. Yes, the fasting is the hardest part, as I have insulin dependant diabetes and it's so hard to balance the blood sugars.

Sorry about the result. Still bletter to go and get it done than not know. ((((((((Schoolhouse))))))).

If I had not had my first colonoscopy done when I was 38 I would not be here alive today. I would be long gone. Needless to say I have had multiple colonoscopies done since then. All by gastroenterologist. The procedure itself is painless and you have a pleasant sleep. You are wacky when you are coming out of it. You can say very funny and embarrassing things! Believe me!

No need to worry! Good luck!

Best wishes for a good outcome, schoolhouse.

The worst of it for me as the prep. For those planning their food choices, red and orange food is off the the table. No red/orange jello, red/orange/purple juices, etc. Food prior to the procedure should be light in color such as broth, lemon or lime jello, apple juice, lemon or lime juice bars, etc. Foods in the red/orange/purple shades can be mistaken for blood during the procedure.

The anesthesia I was given put me right to sleep. Next thing I knew, i was wondering why people were being rude and moving furniture while I was trying to sleep. Turned out that it was the wheels of the guerney rolling across the floor that made the noise I thought was furniture being moved and the only furniture being moved was me and my mobile bed.

After the procedure, I was fully alert within 30 minutes and hubby took me out for a much anticipated lunch.

Hi raven,

Would it be good to have a recording of those forgotten things that you'd said, do you think?

ole joyful

Before my first one, I took the prep instructions too seriously and literally. I'd gone out shopping for what I thought was an adequate supply, with backup, of the permitted foods for the 36 hours preceding the procedure. Juices, jello, Gatorade of the right colors, broth, etc. I consumed almost none of it, I found water was enough and it was a good excuse to fast and lose a few pounds.

I think the reactions to both the prep and the procedure vary greatly from person to person. I've had 3 (with another due in 4 years) and I haven't found them to be difficult or uncomfortable. During the last two, I semi-awoke during the procedures and spoke with the doc and watched the TV screen for much of it. Anyone who remembers the movie Fantastic Voyage from the 1960s, it looks like some of the segments of that movie.

What WAS uncomfortable was a sigmoidoscopy that I had done in my 30s with no anesthesia or pain meds. That hurt.

Ravencajun - it is so great that you had your colonoscopy at 38. I tried to get my brother to get one as soon as he turned 50, but his doctor told him he could wait until 60 - wrong - he would be dead by 60. I did manage to get him to change doctors, and when he did, his new doctor ordered an emergency colonoscopy at age 53. However, that was too late, and now after his surgery, he has to live with colostomy bags for the rest of his life, but at least he is still alive.

If you haven't prepped before, vaseline is a friend to your skin...helps protect it from the material coming out and from all the wiping. And I do agree to start a low residue diet for a day or two before the prep...helps minimize the amount of material that comes out.

We go to the endoscopy center for ours...they have the process nailed down like clockwork...and I presume they are up to snuff on all the latest processes and techniques as that's their specialty.

Best of luck to you...most likely, it's nothing or something small.

Just wishing you the best outcome. Yeah...they are a nuisance, but so important. One of the best ways to treat and beat a terrible disease. Hang

in there...getting those polyps removed is so important. The worry and

dread are probably the very worse parts of it. Hugs.

Someone mentioned insurance coverage. So I called Medicare and was told they would pay 80% of a diagnostic colonoscopy and I would be responsible for the remaining 20%. If it's a screening colonoscopy they pay 100% If polyps are found it turns into the Diagnostic.

So I called my supplemental insurance carrier and found out they pick up that remaining 20% if it becomes diagnostic or surgery is needed for polyps,etc. That's good!

Plus something else very interesting. Dawn mentioned the color of foods and that red food or drink may cause a false positive Cologuard result. Well, I have been binging of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice (no sugar added) for months! I love it. And I figure it can't be bad for preventing UTI problems. Wouldn't it be a hoot if that was the cause of the test results? I can only hope!

Thank you all for your words of comfort, concern, and valuable information. It has made me feel much better.

Schoolhouse - good luck with the colonoscopy! I hope all goes well and the results are good.

I've lost count of the number of colonoscopies I've had since I turned 40. My Dad died of colon cancer at 70. My first test found several polyps and a couple were of the precancerous Adenomas type. The other polyps were of the hyperplastic type which normally don't pose a risk of developing into cancer and are usually not even tested. I had to have follow up colonoscopies each year for the next 3 years. Lately I've been going for one every 3 years.

I had blood in my stool after one of them due to bleeding from a removed polyp site. That was very frustrating because I had to go in for another colonoscopy 2 days later!

Medicare pays 80% of the *Medicare Approved Cost* for a procedure, and the patient pays 20% of that greatly reduced cost. Medicare recipients are not liable for the astronomical Billed Cost unless they use a provider who doesn't participate in Medicare. (That would be the rare duck who has not agreed to accept Medicare adjusted fees for procedures.)

Red/blue/purple foods will not cause a false positive and neither will blood from hemorrhoids. Cologuard is a DNA test and not affected by such things.

The fecal blood screening test would give a false positive by blood from hemorrhoids if on the sample (so important to take the sample from inside the lump of stool) and also by iron containing vitamins/ supplements.

The restriction on red/blue/purple foods pre-test is exactly for the reason DawninCal stated.

Anyone with constipation issues should stop solid food intake at least 48 (or more is even better) hours prior -- 24 hours won't be enough to get clear.

For those with a family history of colon cancer, my understanding is that you are supposed to be screened when you are ten years younger than the parent was when he or she was diagnosed. That coincides with 50 for me. Is that what others have been told?

"Just wishing you the best outcome."

Haha. No better sentiment for the preparation phase.

Well, when I'm nervous I can't eat so the fasting probably won't be a problem nor the outcome. ; >)

I feel confident you will be okay! In these types of situations I just keep telling myself it's better to know now when feeling good than waiting until the symptoms are severe. That increases the chances of catching something early, if there's even anything to catch.

You can have fluids(without the red or purple colorings) that have no solids and jello the last couple days before. We just went through this with DH. It helps in the clearing to eat low fiber foods for a few days before. If your center doesn't give you a sheet describing what you can and cant have check it out on line. The box that has the clean out medication will have information as well. It is nothing like it used to be-no gallon vile tasting yuck.

Remember to drink lots of fluids. Apparently I did not and woke up with a IV connected to a bag of saline. None of the other times had I woken up still being connected but only the shunt in my arm. When I asked I was told it was the second bag and I was severely dehydrated. Each time I have had one what was allowed to eat or drink was changed. A suggestion if applesauce or fruit/juice is allowed is to freeze it in individual servings. The frozen stuff made the brain think I was having solid food rather than just a drink.