Sophie's Story
At the age of 15, Sophie suffered rapid weight loss, constant diarrhoea and an urgent need to be near a toilet; all of which suddenly become her new ‘normal’. What she didn’t know then was that she was facing the early stages of a lifelong struggle with ulcerative colitis.
In 2018, a colonoscopy and X-ray revealed that Sophie’s large bowel was severely ulcerated and so swollen it appeared blocked. Having been prescribed steroids and medication, unfortunately Sophie’s symptoms returned each time the treatment was reduced. With her inflammatory markers still dangerously high and her condition worsening, Sophie eventually found herself begging for surgery, which resulted in an ileostomy being formed.
Discovering Home Delivery
Before her surgery, Sophie wasn’t aware there were a choice of delivery companies. When she first had her stoma, Sophie’s products were sent straight to her GP surgery, from where she would then need to go and collect. This certainly wasn’t the most convenient option for receiving regular supplies. Following a review with her Stoma Nurse 3 years ago, Sophie took the decision to move to Medilink® and she hasn’t looked back since.
What’s important to you in your home delivery service?
The most important thing for Sophie is the constant availability of her products. Having the peace of mind that she can call the Medilink® team and, just a few days later, her products arrive, is priceless: “It’s so quick and easy for me. My previous deliveries were always delayed, which caused me more stress that I just didn’t need”. With no consistency in her delivery service, Sophie took to changing her bag less to reduce her order frequency. Constant conversations with her GP and previous supplier made Sophie worry what would actually happen if her supplies did in fact run out. Now Sophie is part of the Medilink® family, she experiences no more stress or worry. Being able to get her products quickly and efficiently just happens! She knows when the doorbell goes, it’s Medilink®.
What do you like about Medilink® and why have you stayed with us?
Sophie now feels the delivery process with Medilink® suits her life perfectly. She doesn’t ever see a reason to change: “There’s nothing out there that any other delivery service is offering that has ever tempted me to leave” she says. All of her products arrive on time, in the correct condition and the service is very discreet, utilising discreet packaging. Sophie also reported “The team are always friendly, responsive and being kept up to date via text is so useful. I always knows the status of deliveries which gives me real peace of mind”.
What makes Medilink® different?
When using her previous delivery service, Sophie didn’t know anybody or ever get the chance to meet anybody who worked for the company, but when she started using Salts products and the Medilink® service, she says “It’s as if I have found my people. It feels like there are so many lovely people within both Salts and Medilink®. It’s much more personal to me than just a delivery company”.
Sophie works long hours and can now just trust that the Medilink® team will leave her supplies in a secure place. Medilink® fits in around her life and not the other way around, which is really important to her.
How often do you communicate with your local Medilink® branch?
Sophie speaks to the team in the Birmingham Branch at least once a month. The team run through all the items Sophie needs and she says “They are always friendly and able to answer any query I might have”.
Taking advice from her Stoma Care Nurse, Sophie recently changed from Confidence BE® flat bags, to Confidence BE® Soft Convex. This resulted in Sophie changing her bag more frequently than usual, as she adjusted. So she asked the team at Medilink® to send her stoma supplies sooner than usual, which they actioned immediately. Sophie said “My Medilink® branch did this so quickly, it was such a smooth and seamless request”.
Finally ….
Sophie says “I would compare Medilink® to my close friends and Salts is like a second family! There are so many people who can relate and who I feel comfortable to share things with. The teams at both Medilink® and Salts just understand”.