From the brink of death to recovery through humor and inspiration A remarkably candid first person account of arriving at the brink of death, surgery, survival, and living with a colostomy, affectionately called, "Percy." Every year thousands of people the world over undergo colostomy surgery. In 2011 Jo-Ann L. Tremblay joined the ranks of ostomates, and now has a 2nd chance at life. A compelling tale that speaks to the human spirit within all of us, "Better WITH a Bag Than IN a Bag," makes us laugh and makes us cry, as it inspires everyone who wants to live life to the fullest, in spite of it all. REVIEWS: "Jo-Ann's book brings attention to a common but rarely talked about bowel disease- diverticulosis, describing her personal physical and emotional odyssey from illness to her new healthy normal. Even though the experience she talks about is her own, it could be anyone's journey in dealing with a serious health issue. Practical coping strategies are suggested throughout her book." -Andrea Manson, RN, BSN, ET, NCA (Enterostomal Nurse) "I'm a professional comedian and apparently this book contained and used humour to tell it's story. Ironically it was everything but the humour that held and kept my interest. It's the drama that got me... " "Jo-Ann not only does a meticulous job of keeping a record of her entire one year journey she passes on some vital information to anyone who might end up as an ostomate. Especially for those people who would rather read about on their own first before getting the courage to ask their doctors. I understand the need for the journey to be described in such detail--God knows in my case with Hep C and trying not to have to go through a liver transplant if there had been such a book available it would have been worth it's weight in gold... " "The triumph of the human spirit. That is one of the major reasons why this book should be read, have a place on your bookshelf, given to someone in need--It's the triumph of the human spirit. It's really too bad that there isn't a Jo-Ann L. Tremblay with a book for every malady out there." -Mike MacDonald, one of Canada's Premier Comedians "You can laugh at having an ostomy or you can cry. Sometimes we ostomates do both, and when we share the potty-humour of our experiences, it's what saves our sanity after almost losing our lives. Jo-Ann Tremblay's story about her journey back has made me laugh, has made me remember my own journey from the brink, and it inspires us all to continue taking those small steps forward." - Carol A. Stephen, Award Winning Poet"