We listen
We understand
We help

We are a registered charity dedicated to helping all people in Spain who have to live with one or more stomas 24 x 7

Consultants in ostomy matters to the AECC (Alicante)

Your call is confidential:
96 646 0063

Please understand ...

'Ostomy' refers to the surgical opening or 'stoma' in the body wall that allows waste to be expelled. An ostomist or ostomate is someone who has undergone this surgery. The operation follows serious illness, most frequently cancer, and is life saving; however the body is heavily disfigured in more than one area. Normal function is no longer possible and the output is not controlled. Either a prosthesis (a pouch) is worn at all times, or, with the surgeon's permission, colonic irrigation can be a possible alternative. This must be taught by a specialist therapist, in Spain an 'estomaterapeuta' or ET.

We understand the importance of the stoma therapist, the specially trained and dedicated nurse who can help you to manage your pouches. Sadly, however, these are not available in all areas.

To face ostomy surgery and then the return home with a 'stoma' to be managed can be daunting. Our confidential phone line is provided to support the newly operated patient as much as possible with helpful information and practical advice. It is manned in several languages.

You are not alone. Your life CAN and MUST return to normal!

Be aware...

Colon cancer and Colo-rectal cancer are among the most common cancers. They are often referred to simply as Bowel Cancer. The bowel is the tubular system, the small and large intestine, which leads waste away from the stomach and out of the body. The cancer may be in any part of this system. There are changes in bowel habits, possibly narrowing of the faeces and a loss of faecal blood.

Ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease, and Polyps are other conditions of the bowel and carry a high cancer risk. Generally, if there is to be ostomy surgery for these cases, it will be a 'Colostomy' or an 'Ileostomy'.

Bladder cancer symptoms are, amongst others, blood in the urine, a burning sensation during urination and no relief after it. The frequency of this illness is increasing worldwide. The ostomy in this case is a 'Urostomy'.

In all these matters be alert - and report to your doctor immediately if you notice anything unusual.

A private matter for life; too embarrassing to discuss?

Who we are and what we do...

EOS is active locally, nationally and internationally.

We started in 1997 with the aim of assisting ostomates of any nationality. Based in Jávea (Alicante), EOS registered nationally in 2003 as an association, and represents the interests of all expatriate ostomates in Spain. We belong to the national Spanish Federation of Ostomy Associations (FEDAO) which had its early beginnings and produced its first ACTA here in Jávea in 2002. Through this Federation, we are represented in Madrid in the continuing search for better care for ostomists in the Health Services.

Both independently and with an Agreement with the Alicante Provincial Committee of AECC ('Contra el Cáncer'), EOS works locally to support patients with all types of stoma. At the national level we maintain contact by the dedicated phone line and we mail information and specialist magazines to members in several regions.

We play an active role and are proud to have a seat on the World Council of the International Ostomy Association (IOA). It is through this organisation that our surplus items are sent to distribution points for onward shipping to parts of the world which are totally lacking in such supplies. Confirmation of recent shipments has been received from Afghanistan and South America.

Our projects are costly and we would gratefully accept your donation or bequest to supplement our own efforts.