Ano-Rectal Malformations Network

Support Groups and information networks exist for children and families for many diseases and abnormalities.  The A.R.M.S. network is designed to help families and children with developmental disorders of the anus and rectum (Ano-Rectal Malformations).  We have spoken to many of you about such a support group/information network and have received many uniformly favorable responses to the idea.  This first issue of "Open A.R.M.S." is designed to get you acquainted with the network.

As the name might suggest, we wish to emphasize that Open A.R.M.S. is your support/information group.  As physicians and nurses who provide medical care for patients with developmental abnormalities of the anus and rectum, we know many things about the medical aspects of the disease.  Because we listen to our patients and care about them, we have picked up some good common-sense advice that we can share with you.  But none of us can know what YOU know about the disease.  We believe that there is great value in lessons learned from your experiences, and we want you to have a forum to express your knowledge, insight, fears, triumphs, setbacks, successes and hints.  Through our newsletter, published two to three times per year and sent out via traditional mail and posted on this site, you can tell others about your "adventures" knowing that others have had (or will soon have) similar experiences.  You can give advice to and solicit advice from others knowing that they understand you and your concerns.

From this site, you can access previous and current editions of our newsletter, sign up to join the network and/or receive newsletters directly to you, post ideas and find links to other related web sites and support groups.  We hope you find useful information and return to this site often.