Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode
Cardiology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am due for my colonoscopy next Thursday. I am a 57-year-old woman. My last colonoscopy was normal. For the past week, I have been taking home tests. Now I know these are not 100% reliable that, of course, the colonoscopy is the finite test that will give the answers you need. However, I suffer from OCD and health anxiety. The tests I took so far were the EZ to detect for colon diseases, the second generation FIT at home.
All the tests I have taken so far have indicated negative results. However, because of my OCD of course to my naked eye, I feel I see something wrong. The second generation FIT test I took today. I have attached pictures of what the guide that comes with the test and my actual test. Now at first I saw it and was elated because to me it showed negative. But again because of my OCD, I kept looking at it again and again. I even saw it under a magnifying glass. Now I feel like I can see that second line, although it is significantly faint. If someone were to pick up the test and look at it, they would think it is negative. But now I am not sure and I am worried. Now, I am going to get my colonoscopy next week anyway, but what do you think of this test?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have gone through the images (attachment removed to protect patient identity) and there is certainly a very faint line, but in my opinion, it should be considered as negative. Such faint line should not be considered as significant and positive and can be seen in normal individuals. So, in my opinion, it is negative.
I hope this helps.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
What would your advice be for someone with my mental disorder in order to help calm myself? I am truly suffering right now. I am so scared. My health anxiety truly drains my joy to live.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Besides medications, this will be a gradual process and you have to stick to it even if you do not notice any immediate benefit. You yourself will also think to find your own ways and customize the available techniques.
The more you think or read about it, those thoughts will trouble you. So there are two ways, one is to reduce such emergence of thoughts and second is to cut those out. You need to fill your brain with other thoughts or issues, hobbies, etc. So there does not remain much space for those thoughts. If you remain unoccupied then only bad and troublesome thoughts will occupy it. So use hobbies, movies, music, God's name chanting (if you have faith), reading, etc. You should also engage in physical activities which are a good stress reliever. Also, you should perform yoga and other meditations. Try to find your area of interest and remain engaged in it. The best way to remain happy is to remain engaged in activities of our own interests.
You have to use some mental technique to cut these thoughts out, once these emerged in your mind. Like some patients start chanting God's name, some count numbers, engage in some or other mental activities in order to forget those thoughts.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I took another test. I had a lot with two kits. This time I took a picture immediately after the five minutes was up. The instructions tell you not to look at the test after five minutes for a reason. Because a second line can appear after 5 minutes, that might have happened when I sent you the first set of pictures. I am going to include two pictures in this email. The first picture is the only picture I took immediately after the first test earlier this evening. The second picture I took after the second test which I just took a few minutes ago. I really do not see the second line in these. Please advise.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I have seen all the pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity).
All tests are negative, so I do not think there is anything to worry about these tests at least. And yes, all card tests should not be read after 5-10 minutes as they may show false positive bands.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I just wanted to show you the test I received from the lab. I wrote to them yesterday as well. Just want to know if you agree.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, I agree with them and all tests were negative.
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Cardiology
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