Testimonials

Here are some users comments:-

Hi Brendan,

Re protection: As a person who does a lot of Physical Labour I have found leaning across equipment I have no worries about squishing, catching or otherwise damaging either my stoma or the bag

Re preventing leaks: Yes the amount of bag changes are radically reduced due to my bags staying attached much firmer and tightly to my body

I use a lot less bags now because they stay on much longer

Before I had this device I found I was having to change my bag upwards of 4 times a day due to leakage. I can now go 5 or even 6 days before I change my bag .They are that much more secure on my body even with my very liquid output 

Best Regards

Dave Parry, LLangefni, Anglesey.

Dear Brendan

Yes my stoma protector has been a fantastic help in getting back to work, and more importantly it helped me leave the house and not be afraid.

Since wearing my stoma protector I have had No leaks or pancaking I would also like to say I have tried a prescription protector and found it not only not fit for purpose but painfully uncomfortable.

I then purchased your product and my life was back and I can’t say strongly enough that before this I felt it was over, my life that is.

Sorry, I digress, yes the stoma protector does help me use less bags by as much as thirty percent on a good month.

This operation sounds very simple and strait forward before hand when you talk it through and then you wake up in this alien body.

Your stoma protector has helped me move forward and get on with my very happy life

Thank you very much for your design.

Bill Rees, Devon, United Kingdom.

I am very happy with your stoma protector. Your design is quite innovative, and eliminating the need to wear a belt makes it much more comfortable.

In my opinion, it is the best stoma guard product on the market.

I use it quite frequently, and I am happy to have two so I can clean one Baseplate and use the other.

Larry Frankel, Chicargo, USA

Hi Brendan,

I have had a Stoma for 19 months, I purchased a Stoma Protector (SP) as I had been experiencing leakage, discomfort and frequent bag changes.

From the moment I started to wear the SP I noticed it maintains a pressure on the flange of the Ostomy bag – this definitely reduces the incidence of leakage. It also prevents the skin/flange interface being pulled during physical activity – reducing discomfort and possible poor adhesion.

The SP protects the stoma from pressure and impact and thus increases confidence during (e.g.) sport and recreation. I have participated in gardening, hedge cutting, Clay pigeon shooting, game shooting and fly fishing with much increased confidence since purchasing it.

The increased protection reduces the incidence of pancaking – which was previously causing me a problem.

The combination of the above benefits has definitely reduced my bag usage – I would estimate from circa 20 per month to about 14 per month on average. This results not only in a cost saving but also in less potential skin problems as it (a) creates and maintains a better seal so a lower risk of Stoma Output coming in contact with my skin  and (b) lower incidence of the (painful) peeling off of the flange when the changing bag.

The device has without doubt improved my quality of life and I could not consider managing without it now.

Andrew McKeown, Cambridge.UK

Dear Brendan,

Just a bit about myself first, I unexpectedly had an ileostomy three and a half years ago.

After a few stays in hospital I had been told I had ulcerative colitis but unbeknown to me my bowel had for some reason or other started to leak leading me to being taken into hospital again and collapsing in the consultants office, resulting in an emergency operation and waking up in ICU after a few days unconscious to be told that I had a stoma.  (I must admit it was more than a shock.)

Last year I read about your device and thought it sounded so great I bought one and may I say it is the best thing I have ever used. I have to wear my bag at an angle so any kind of belt (because they attach at either side) eventually twists the bag off.  Where as your protector does exactly what I need it had given me the extra confidence to start living a normal life again and even helped me to fly to America to visit my family which I thought would not be possible again.  Many thanks for your very clever device.

Thank you again,

Mrs. Elizabeth Kay, Irvine, Ayrshire.

Dear Brendan,

Re protecting Stoma: This is certainly true. I have two small Hernias close to my Stoma, the Protector gives support to these. Previously I was having to wear looser clothing to try and stop leakages. The protector means that my clothes sit more comfortably.

Re Preventing leaks: This has definitely happened. I am needing to change the bag less often and do not have very embarrassing problems caused by leakage.

The Stoma Protector provides extra pressure to hold the bag in place. The better seal means less irritation of the skin and therefore no need for barrier creams or sprays.

Since using the Stoma Protector I have experienced fewer leaks so have definitely used less bags. My consumption has at least halved and therefore, I estimate has reduced the cost to the NHS by 50%

I would add that for me one of the main benefits is the reduction in worry that embarrassing ‘accidents’ might happen. This has boosted my self confidence and wellbeing.

Again thank you for a marvelous invention.

Yours sincerely,

  Clare Baker, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, United Kingdom (UK)

Dear Sir,

Thank you for sending me the new updated front cover for the Stoma Protector.

I have an ileostomy and have been using your Stoma Protector for the past eleven months, what a difference this has made to my life, like driving, wearing clothes I have not worn for years, and of course our social life.

Driving, I have had many leaks over the years, when the lap top part of the seat belt squashed the top part of the pouch, since wearing the protector I have never had one, I don’t have to think about how tight the belt is.

It is eight years since I wore jeans, or any other tight fitting garments, however with the baseplate of the Stoma Protector which is not visible; it gives you the choice of more fashionable clothes.

My social life, we love to go dancing, and go to other social events, the difference the Stoma Protector has made is to give me my confidence back

It would be beneficial for this product to be on the prescription list, I am sure it would save the N.H.S. money, by the fact ostomates would be using less pouches and two piece systems, many would even go longer between changes.

Once again thank you for making my life more normal.

Regards.

Kieth Scott, Sheffield, United Kingdom.

Dear Brendan,

Thank you very much. I feel so much safer with it on.

 Karl Geiling, New York, USA. 

Thank you so much for my stoma protector.  It has really given me so much freedom to wear the clothes I like, and especially to wear tights with my dresses.  Here is a photo of me in my garden – I’m 78 and so pleased to be able to wear clothes that don’t make me feel old ladyish any more.  I recommend your product wholeheartedly.

Yes, you can use my comments in your advertisements because they may help other people and I do want everyone to live their lives as fully as possible.

Sabrina Lewins, Cambridge, United Kingdom

I have found the Stoma Protector very good indeed especially with enhancing the adhesion of the bag (2 part bag/flange) and stopping leaks etc. It has also helped a lot with stopping any pancaking which was one of the issues I was having which caused leaks. 

The use of the protector has been very helpful when I am driving as the protector keeps the car seat belt off the stoma and makes it easier to drive longer distances.

Have ordered a second one so that I have a spare and can continue using it while one is being washed.

Great product.

Steven Groeger, Dorset, United Kingdom.

Hi Brendan

I had my ileostomy operation back in 2010 and had no problem at first with bag adhesion, however I developed a hernia and used several devises to help with the situation but last year had to have the hernia repaired.

After the repair bags would not sit on the site of the stoma whatever I used resulting in some days having to change bags several times a day because of leaks.

Since using you product I only change bags every other day and have not had one instance of  leaks in that time.

The result is less orders for bags, adhesive remover sprays, adhesive remover wipes, skin barrier sprays, dry white wipes, disposable bags and no visits to the stoma nurse.

Until obtaining your product I have had to buy trousers that have a raised waist band due to the site of my stoma, the supply of these garments are limited and the fit less than smart. Since wearing your STOMA PROTECTOR I have been able to buy a suit and trousers off the peg that fit on the waist line without any pressure on the stoma, the visual and psychological impact cannot be measured. 

Thank you for producing a product that does exactly what it says on your website.

Regards

JPS

Philip Sykes,South Yorkshire,United Kingdom

Dear Brendan,

Hi thank you for your e-mail.

Personally speaking the stoma protector has changed my life enormously for the better. I can not speak highly enough of this product.

Firstly I have recently took a job in dementia care where I can sometimes come across residents with challenging behaviours. This can result in me being accidentally kicked or hit. I experienced an incident where unfortunately I was caught badly on my stoma this made me nervous and not protected from further incidents. I bought the stoma protector and my confidence has been restored I am no longer hesitant to help residents and it protects me very adequately. Also my confidence with regards to socializing from a feminine point of view has increased and I no longer feel I am unable to carry on as I was before my surgery.

Also I do not change my pouches as often as I don’t experience leaking or pancaking as frequently as I did previously. My pouch usage has gone from around several a week to around three. Lastly they are not at all uncomfortable to wear as the nhs version or as obvious that you are wearing a product and no uncomfortable belt to hold it in place which rides up all the time and when you are hot especially in the summer it is unbearable to wear.

Would be great for them to be on the NHS as they are amazing and not everyone can afford them.

Yours kindly Gill.

Gillian Boyes, Durham, United Kingdom (UK)

Dear Brendan,

I personally would be lost without my stoma protector. I wear it 24/7 as it protects my stoma from belts, bumps, knocks and rolling over in bed. I find when it’s on and kept in place by my clothes it seals around the edges and rarely leaks. The unique design funnels the waste into the bottom of the stoma bag, which is really convenient.

I also find that as a result of the stoma protector I am ordering less bags and accessories as I don’t change it as often. I still have a habit of changing my bag every morning but I used to change it at least 3 times a day due to leaks, but not any longer, once is enough.

I love the product and it has quite literally changed my life and given me my confidence back.

I love it.

Thank you Brendan.

Regards

Jeremy Brown, Somerset, United Kingdom.

Hi Brendan,

I have had my Stoma Protector for a year now .During that time I have had no leaks and use fewer bags ,the protector also allows me to wear trousers which before I could not wear comfortably.

I would not be without mine and think it should be available on the NHS

Regards,

Ian Dalzell, Down, Northern Ireland.

Dear Brendan,

I am so pleased with my Stoma Protector that I have just ordered a second one!

I have a colostomy and it is great to be able to wear tight fitting trousers and leggings again.  Before I discovered the Stoma Protector I had problems with tight clothing restricting the flow of output into the bag or the embarrassment of the bag ballooning over the waistband.  With the Stoma Protector I haven’t had either of these things problems.

The Stoma Protector is also great when driving as it holds the seatbelt away from the body.  I have just driven over 1500 miles on holiday without discomfort whereas I am normally constantly adjusting the belt away from my stoma. 

I chose this particular appliance as it doesn’t need a belt; I have to confess I was a bit dubious about how it would work but went ahead reassured by the 45 day guarantee.  I needn’t have worried as I loved it from day one and only wish I had discovered it sooner!

I would have no hesitation in recommending it to others.

Best regards

Angela.

P. S. You kindly sent me a Keyhole plate to try.  I have used this successfully, in conjunction with support underwear, when wearing clothes where the normal Stoma Protector would be too obvious and also with looser garments where the clothing doesn’t restrict the output so the elevated channel isn’t needed.  I have also slept in it!

Angela Fidler, Lytham St Annes, Lancs.,United Kingdom.

Hi Brendan,

I’m Robert Wallace’s daughter.

I purchased the stoma protector for my 84-year-old father and it is the best thing ever. It absolutely should be available through the NHS!!!

I searched the Internet for a solution to Dad’s problems of leaking stoma bags and pancaking; he was having to clean up, change clothes and put on another bag plus losing confidence in going out. I then discovered your stoma protector and was very angry that the NHS stoma nurse did not mention such a thing!

The stoma protector has changed my dad’s life! Since day one of using it, he has had no more pancaking or leaking from the ostomy bag adhesive ring, he has halved the quantity of bags he used in a week as he no longer needs to use more than 2 a day and often uses the same bag for 2 days. He uses the slimmer of your stoma protectors and it gives him full protection from pressure applied by waistbands, belts and seat belts.

But, the biggest benefit of the stoma protector has been the psychological impact! It has given Dad the confidence to get out in public again as the protector is discrete and Dad knows it will protect him from leakages thus avoiding embarrassing situations.

Thank you for designing the stoma protector and making it available to the public. It would be negligent of the NHS not to provide this to their patients.

Kind regards,

Susan Davies,

Hi Brendan,

I have been using your appliance now for over half a year and I am impressed with the difference it makes to my comfort with my ileostomy.  Being a large surface area, it spreads the pressure of a belt or trouser waist quite happily, meaning that when I am sitting, the bag is not being forced into creating leaks by pulling away from the skin.  I used to suffer with leaks once or twice a month, but since using your stoma protector, I would say it has only leaked twice, both at night when I am not wearing it and both times because I have left the bag on for three or four days.  Indeed, the bag life has been doubled since using the appliance as I often leave the same bag on for four days at a time.

Thank you for your foresight into where bag failures occur and creating a solution.

Regards,

James Hamilton, Stevenage, Herts.,United Kingdom.

Hi Brendan,

I’m pleased to have the opportunity to evaluate my use of your Stoma Protector.

Emergency surgery resulted in a Stoma just below my waistline which seemed to give me particular problems.

In the first few weeks after discharge from hospital I was plagued with pancaking problems, and breaching of the seal of the stoma pouch, compressed as it was by the belt of my trousers.  The Stoma was dominating my entire life.

I did some research on the Internet, luckily found your site, and ordered the Protector.

The Stoma Protector has changed my life!

My Protector had an immediate dual benefit.  It applies pressure to the seal of the pouch, greatly enhancing the seal’s adhesion to my skin, and the dome shape allows free flow of effluent from the stoma into the pouch, despite the close proximity of my trouser belt.  The Protector succeeds in producing these benefits while remaining very unobtrusive.

There is also a cost saving to the NHS in my use of the Protector.  I established a regular monthly delivery of stoma supplies on prescription from the NHS.  Following my use of the Protector I still receive the same number of replacement items in each monthly delivery.  The difference now is that following two consecutive monthly deliveries, I can miss one delivery, so my consumption of stoma supplies has reduced by around one third.

Regards,

Jim Hamilton, Clydebank, Dunbartonshire.

Dear Brendan.

The device certainly makes living with a stoma more easy especially when, you have very young grand children visiting and staying over 3-4 days every week. I also find that I do not worry so much about knocking the stoma when doing odd jobs, especially in tight spaces the stoma protectors hardness is a boon.

I find that it also helps to confine any leaks around the flange longer, and therefore I change the bag less often, instead of every two days to every three to four days

I have not had any pancaking since the first time of use

A great piece of equipment that has made living with a stoma so much easer and has increased my confidence in going out and about tenfold.

Many Thanks.

Chris Brown, Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom (UK)

.

Hi Brendan,

Thank you so much. My dad received the stoma protector you sent to Malaysia.

He uses it every day and absolutely loves it. It has made a huge difference to his confidence as it has help avoid embarrassing leaks in public and also allow him to wear his clothes and trousers properly without compromising the colostomy bag.

See my attached picture – dad out and about wearing his stoma protector and his chemo infusion pump too.

Thank you

Ange

Angela Tong, St Albans, Herts, United Kingdom.

Dear Brendan,

I am a South African who had a total colectomy on 13 July 2016 for severe UC. My stoma has changed my life, primarily for the better. But there are elements of living with your insides on the outside that require specialized care and attention.

My primary concern post the initial healing process was one of protecting this fragile new addition to my body. My stoma was just so perfect, I wanted it to stay that way!

I found that I had a lot of back pain initially. It became crippling and caused severe nausea and a general feeling of being unwell. Nothing could relieve the pain! This was eventually pinpointed to sleeping flat on my back because of the new addition to my body of a very inflated bag and a sensitive stoma. I was scared to sleep on my side or front for fear of bursting my bag or hurting my stoma. I either woke up every half an hour or couldn’t sleep at all for the paralyzing fear and discomfort.

After a brief internet search in the middle of the night- yes, I couldn’t sleep again- I came upon the Stoma Protector website. What a revolutionary concept! I am not a good candidate for a protection and/or support belt, having a very well-rounded post-cortisone belly, as well as a very high set stoma. A belt would have just slipped down and pulled my bag off if I’d chosen to go that route, so I was thrilled to find another solution.

I immediately ordered a Stoma Protector and was thrilled to receive personal feedback on the status of my order at every step of the process from Brendan Magee. My device arrived very quickly at my mom’s place in York, and she brought it out to me in South Africa shortly afterwards.

Of course, I immediately tried on the easy-to-use device. The instructions are so simple (the whole device is ‘why didn’t I think of that!’ simple!) and I was pleasantly surprised to receive both the full and keyhole protection plates as well as some extra Velcro strips in the parcel. I was now set! My first real test/ experience of my Stoma Protector was a good nights sleep and a back-pain-free day, my first pain-free sleep since the surgery.

The use of my Stoma Protector has also allowed my continued participation in my sport of choice- showjumping. I would not be allowed or indeed feel comfortable enough to compete in this high-impact sport if I did not have the assurance of protection for my ileostomy. Falls are a part of the sport, and we fall hard when we do. Often a fall can be both from a height and at speed, and this obviously further increases the chance of injury. Another aspect is the mental assurance I get knowing that my stoma is fully protected from injury, in the same way as wearing a helmet is protecting my head and wearing the correct footwear is protecting my toes, and this helps you to be a better rider with the knowledge that you have done everything you can to address the risk factors of a sport involving half-ton animals with a mind of their own. I am able to compete to my fullest potential knowing that my delicate stoma is protected in the event of a fall. It also protects against the accidental jostling by my horse when I’m on the ground, and against potential bruising from brushing against the saddle while getting on and off.

I am fortunate that my ileostomy doesn’t result in output that causes pancaking, but leaks are a constant factor with liquid output. The Stoma Protector helps to ensure that my flange ‘sticks’ to my skin with the best possible even pressure and therefore best possible seal. I can sleep comfortably without fear of leaks or bag bursts and the inconvenient midnight bag change, with added sheets and clothing laundry, is a thing of the past.

Another huge benefit is the cost benefit that the product offers me. I can wear the same clothing I wore before surgery: tight-waisted riding breeches, jeans, and waist synching belt and all! This is a huge cost benefit to me, living in a country that doesn’t support us financially in any way for any healthcare. So money is tight, despite paying a fortune for private medical aid, and absolutely everything comes out of the patients pocket, including essentials like the appliances themselves. I need fewer bags and flanges with this system because I get longer wear (regularly up to a week or even slightly longer if I’m lucky) and have way fewer leaks/ bursts. It helps with my sensitive skin to change my flange as little as possible and  I even sometimes am able to leave the flange as is and just change the bag (when the clogged filter starts to smell), So from a cost point of view, my Stoma Protector is essential.

I have recently changed from a 1-piece to a 2-piece system, and so will be ordering my second Stoma Protector shortly. My existing Protector base plate hole is a little large for the new 2-piece bag rings, so the whole device slides around a bit, but it is still in daily use regardless. In addition, I will be ordering for more South African stomates who have heard about it via my telling and showing my Protector off to my stoma nurse. She now suggests that her patients get hold of me to find out more! It’s been great being a self-proclaimed ambassador for such a great product.

Regards

Candice Starke, Johannesburg, South Africa 

Dear Mr Magee,

I would like to inform you that ever since i used your product Stomaprotector (Dec 2016) I’m no longer experiencing “pancaking”!!! This is actually my main reason why I bought your product. I hate leaks! Before, I have to change my appliance frequently because of the leaks. I used to change 2 to 3 times in a week. Now, I can use my appliance for 2 weeks sometimes more than that. It really saves me a lot of money.

It is also true that this device protects my stoma from accidental pressure and impact specially while im driving. Whenever I experience pancaking, leaking is surely to follow. Now with stomaprotector, leaking in the flange is greatly reduced. Before, i hesitate a lot to go outside my home afraid that i might have a leak in public places. Now, I can travel anywhere without any worries that my appliance will leak. Because I have less leaks now, my usage of flanges and bags have been reduced.

I really love your device that I recommeded this not only to my Oncologist but to my fellow ostomates here in the Philippines. Perhaps maybe one day you will expand your branch here so you can help more people with ostomy bags by benefitting from your product.

Regards,

Fred A. Cara, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Dear Brendan,

I have had the stoma protector for a few months and find it very useful in saving the use many bags as the flange is protected from coming off when the bag should fill up excessively ,suddenly.

The protector has been a great help also in directing the faeces down the bag to stop pancaking and side pressure so making the faeces come out of the flange sideways.

I hope the unit is given National health status as I will use continually as it saves bags and cause less soreness around the stoma. I hope this helps in your quest.

Regards,

Peter Saunders, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)