Paul's Story

My Medilink Journey

Paul Eustice had his colostomy formed 4 years ago, following a rectal cancer diagnosis as a result of a standard screening test. Paul had surgery to perform a proctectomy, which was followed by months of chemotherapy. He lives in Cornwall with his wife and says his family are his passion – his wife, children and grandchildren … along with his music! Paul is the frontman in a successful 60’s rock and roll band called ‘The Viewers’, and he loves to perform. This platform of music and being a singer has been a route to encourage other men to be more open about their health and well-being. Paul is acutely aware that men in general do not talk openly about challenges, difficulties and their health with friends and family. This is something he would like to change and he works passionately towards this by being open about his own personal stoma story. 

Medilink – The Early Days

When Paul left hospital, he was not aware of any products or indeed any other home delivery companies. He believed the product and service which he was discharged using were the only choices available. However, after experiencing a number of issues with both his product and delivery service, Paul reached out to his Stoma Nurse for help. He was given a range of other products to try, and it was at this point that he was introduced to Confidence BE®: he’s never looked back since! When Paul decided to continue using Confidence BE® his nurse recommended he might like to use Salts Healthcare’s home delivery service and it was at this point he joined Medilink®. Suddenly I no longer felt like just a number: the team at Medilink® Plymouth treated me as an individual and were so proactive. They asked questions about me, my life and situation and this allowed them to get to know me and my needs.

My Team

Paul has been with Medilink® Plymouth for over two years now, and in this time the team has got to know him well, he knows they are there for him whenever he needs them. “The team are so knowledgeable, personable, friendly and are such great communicators. I feel like I can ask them anything – if I have a problem I share it with them.”. He knows the basics of his ordering will be dealt with efficiently every month, with his orders arriving quickly and correctly. “The team are often one step ahead of me! There are a number of instances where they know what to recommend as a solution to an issue – even preventing potential issues.” Paul recalls when he recently went for an endoscopy, his first since having his stoma formed, and going through the bowel-prep process. “When it comes out of your stoma at such a rate, it’s horrible”. However, the team at Medilink® had already recommended him using a drainable bag to enable frequent emptying so it made the experience so much easier. Paul has also found his relationship with the team at Plymouth has meant he feels comfortable enough to discuss anything now, even intimacy: “can you imagine how difficult that is for a man to ask over the phone?!”. He was so glad he opened up as the team were able to recommend a stoma cap or mini bag – things which Paul was not previously aware even existed.

A Personal Perspective

Paul particularly enjoys a chat with Tammy at Medilink Plymouth as her own experience of having an ileostomy is relatable. It’s something Paul values, he remembers Tammy talking to him in the early days and the real care and understanding that he felt. “It made such a difference to me and how I was feeling at the time.”

Medilink: It’s a Family Thing

In January 2024 Paul’s Mum Astria, 85, also had a stoma formed. Astria was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2023 and had her colostomy surgery in January. Paul says she’s coped admirably, it’s barely phased her and she just gets on with life. Paul wasted no time in ensuring that his Mum was also well looked after by her home delivery service and introduced her to Medilink Plymouth. Astria has also been thoroughly impressed with the personal service she receives from the team, saying “the staff at Plymouth Medilink are wonderful. Very understanding and helpful”. She looks forward to her chats with the team each month, when they talk about lots of things - often Cornish pasty recipes and baking!