Bowel Cancer Australia has launched a nationwide questionnaire about your experience prior to, during and after your colonoscopy.

While it’s a bit of a dicey topic, in the end - no pun intended - this is one procedure that could save your life.

I've had several colonoscopies over the years, after blood was detected in a routine Rotary bowel cancer screening test.

While I liken a colonoscopy to having 10 complete strangers all dressed in white peering up your nether regions, I've always considered the procedure part of my health check-up.

Put simply, I don't want to die. So my view is that anything is better than not seeing my grandkids.

The decision for you to have a colonoscopy is taken because your doctor or specialist wants to know what's happening to you; why you may be bleeding from the bowel.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you could be fast-tracked through the system or join a waiting list.

Either way, I think the initial shock of hearing the words "colonoscopy" and "you have polyps" or "you may have cancer" pale into insignificance once that decision is made.

If you don't understand any part of the procedure, ask the question to the specialist. He (or she) is about to see you in a whole different light once you land on the operating table, so there is no question that will phase him or her.

From there on, it is just about going through the process.

As the procedure day approaches, you will be contacted by the hospital/clinic and given some information on how the day will proceed, and other information. If you aren't good at remembering things, take someone with you.

Shortly before your procedure you will be given some more information and your preparation.

You can say what you like about the prep, it doesn't taste nice, but it does the job. Just don't move too far from the bathroom.

On the morning of your procedure I recommend that you get there on time. And don't be surprised when you find a number of people there too.

But don't do what I am fond of doing in these very personal moments: Don't wave and say, "hello everyone". 

You'll get a few smiles but by and large every single one of you will be hungry, feeling like you've been put through the ringer and wanting a decent sleep without having one eye on the toilet.

And then you wait. There's an order at play for the surgery time and depending on your number you could be in for a longer wait than others.

Once the process starts though, the staff are always brilliant. Ask them any question about the procedure.

Your anaesthetist, you met him or her before and they weighed you, will explain what will happen next.

Once you get in the operating room it's a bit like, lights, camera, action.

And if you can get beyond seven in the count down, well you are better than me. You're out to it.

Recovery happens quite quickly and, again, the staff are on the ball and will be asking a series of questions. Your surgeon may speak to you briefly. 

The triangle sandwiches and cup of tea have never tasted better.

Bowel Cancer Australia CEO Julien Wiggins says the patient’s experience with the health system is an important and meaningful measure of quality of care that can be used for performance monitoring purposes and to drive quality improvement.

“Bowel Cancer Australia created the My Colonoscopy Experience questionnaire to complement the Standard, because patient experience must be the cornerstone of patient-centred colonoscopy care," he said.

If you've had a colonoscopy and want to participate in the 10 minute questionnaire go to https://healthie.pulseinfoframe.com/pre-register/form-landing?ttoken=6b6e4c91-4a36-4547-89fe-bbfa7e07a725&formName=3185378

To find out more, go to https://www.whatmattersmost.org.au/

If you have questions or concerns related to bowel cancer, contact the free Bowel Cancer Australia Helpline 1800 555 494 to speak with a Bowel Care Nurse, or visit www.bowelcanceraustralia.org