Question: Colonoscopy questions for all that have had it also stress test also also health concerns

[Bazza]

Just got the results back from my second Cologuard...negative. It's not for everyone but works for me....

 

[Bamaro]

Just got the results back from my second Cologuard...negative. It's not for everyone but works for me....

I need to determine whether Medicare will cover it for me.

 

[Padreruf]

I need to determine whether Medicare will cover it for me.

Usually -- it's a lot cheaper for them than a colonoscopy. Ask you doctor's office -- they will know.

 

[Toddrn]

I need to determine whether Medicare will cover it for me.

Per the Cologuard website. Cologuard is covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage with no co-pay or deductible for eligible patients ages 45-85.

 

[Bamaro]

Per the Cologuard website. Cologuard is covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage with no co-pay or deductible for eligible patients ages 45-85.

The key word there is 'eligible'.

 

[PA Tide Fan]

I need to determine whether Medicare will cover it for me.

You qualify for coverage if you meet the following criteria:

• You must not be showing any signs or symptoms of colorectal disease.
• You must be between 50-85 years old.
• You must not have a history of colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• You must not have any family history of risk factors such as hereditary adenomatous polyps, nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, or familial adenomatous polyposis.

 

[Toddrn]

You qualify for coverage if you meet the following criteria:

• You must not be showing any signs or symptoms of colorectal disease.
• You must be between 50-85 years old.
• You must not have a history of colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• You must not have any family history of risk factors such as hereditary adenomatous polyps, nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, or familial adenomatous polyposis.

Cologuard is a simple test for people with no history of polyps or colon cancer. If you have had colon cancer, polyps or had a family member with the same you would not want to do this anyway. The best way to know if you have these issues is to look at the inside of your colon with a camera.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

Had a physical on Monday. All the test results are ok with the exception of my high white cell count again. This has been an issue that has been largely ignored by my previous doctor. This doctor has recommended that I see a hematologist or oncologist. This has my head spinning and wondering what could be next. I have an appointment set up for March 15th. I need someone to tell me this is nothing and I am worrying about something that is not a big deal. When your doctor recommends you see a blood specialist or cancer specialist, it doesn't exactly send the warm and fuzzies. I am really struggling right now to keep it together.

 

[Toddrn]

Had a physical on Monday. All the test results are ok with the exception of my high white cell count again. This has been an issue that has been largely ignored by my previous doctor. This doctor has recommended that I see a hematologist or oncologist. This has my head spinning and wondering what could be next. I have an appointment set up for March 15th. I need someone to tell me this is nothing and I am worrying about something that is not a big deal. When your doctor recommends you see a blood specialist or cancer specialist, it doesn't exactly send the warm and fuzzies. I am really struggling right now to keep it together.

How high is it?

 

[NationalTitles18]

Had a physical on Monday. All the test results are ok with the exception of my high white cell count again. This has been an issue that has been largely ignored by my previous doctor. This doctor has recommended that I see a hematologist or oncologist. This has my head spinning and wondering what could be next. I have an appointment set up for March 15th. I need someone to tell me this is nothing and I am worrying about something that is not a big deal. When your doctor recommends you see a blood specialist or cancer specialist, it doesn't exactly send the warm and fuzzies. I am really struggling right now to keep it together.

Hematologists are usually oncologists as well- it's just that the specialty covers both.

I'm glad your provider is checking things out with appropriate caution.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

How high is it?

12.9 (0ver 10.8 is high)
Neutrophils, Absolute was 9,520 (over 7,800 is high)
Monocytes, Absolute is 993 (over 950 is high)

 

[Toddrn]

12.9 (0ver 10.8 is high)
Neutrophils, Absolute was 9,520 (over 7,800 is high)
Monocytes, Absolute is 993 (over 950 is high)

I agree with NT18. never hurts to be cautious and follow up. Your numbers are high but not crazy high. Some people just have higher numbers than what is considered normal. Just because yours are a little high doesn't mean the sky is falling. Any idea when or if they were within the normal range?

 

[Padreruf]

Don't go crazy just yet...these are a little high but could be an infection and not something worse. I agree with Toddrn that these numbers are not that much out of whack. I am cancer free and my numbers for these are in the range of yours...my doctors tell me not to worry as that's just me.

I've been monitoring my blood numbers for almost 3 years now...they will drive you crazy if you let them!!!

 

[DzynKingRTR]

I agree with NT18. never hurts to be cautious and follow up. Your numbers are high but not crazy high. Some people just have higher numbers than what is considered normal. Just because yours are a little high doesn't mean the sky is falling. Any idea when or if they were within the normal range?

they were last normal about 6 years ago

 

[DzynKingRTR]

I am probably overreacting. I guess you hear cancer doctor referral and it sends out a few alerts to the system. My family doesn't have a great track record with this so I have watched a lot of family die from various forms of cancer.

 

[B1GTide]

I am probably overreacting. I guess you hear cancer doctor referral and it sends out a few alerts to the system. My family doesn't have a great track record with this so I have watched a lot of family die from various forms of cancer.

I don't blame you for being concerned, but don't let that turn into worry. It is almost certainly nothing, and there is nothing that you can do about it until you know for sure anyway.

Life is short. Don't waste a minute.

 

[NationalTitles18]

12.9 (0ver 10.8 is high)
Neutrophils, Absolute was 9,520 (over 7,800 is high)
Monocytes, Absolute is 993 (over 950 is high)

Good advice above. Nothing here is crazy high.

Monocytes are often involved in chronic infection or inflammation.

Neutrophils are often involved in fighting acute infection but is also associated with chronic inflammation.

There are too many causes that are benign (not malignant) to get bent out of shape about it, but your provider's caution is a good thing and when all is said and done you'll most likely just be reassured that all is well. Perhaps they will find an underlying cause. That cause is most likely benign, but follow your doc's advice and get it worked up.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

Good advice above. Nothing here is crazy high.

Monocytes are often involved in chronic infection or inflammation.

Neutrophils are often involved in fighting acute infection but is also associated with chronic inflammation.

There are too many causes that are benign (not malignant) to get bent out of shape about it, but your provider's caution is a good thing and when all is said and done you'll most likely just be reassured that all is well. Perhaps they will find an underlying cause. That cause is most likely benign, but follow your doc's advice and get it worked up.

going back and looking thru my old test results 2018 was normal, 2019 was normal in March but high in September, I distinctly remember coming off bronchitis that time, June 2020, was normal, but December was high again. It has been high since then. I find it hard to believe that I have had an infection undetected for over 3 years. Maybe all the stress I have been under is getting to me?

 

[Toddrn]

going back and looking thru my old test results 2018 was normal, 2019 was normal in March but high in September, I distinctly remember coming off bronchitis that time, June 2020, was normal, but December was high again. It has been high since then. I find it hard to believe that I have had an infection undetected for over 3 years. Maybe all the stress I have been under is getting to me?

Stress can play a bigger role on our health than people realize. Followup and keep us in the loop. We will be praying for good news.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

Stress can play a bigger role on our health than people realize. Followup and keep us in the loop. We will be praying for good news.

God knows I have had some stress lately for sure. I won't get into it on an open forum but it has taken its toll. My appointment in March 15, so I guess I will know more then. I will let you guys know when I know.