Beyond Embarrassment

A “very powerful and important book … an impressive achievement.” - Jonathan Kirsch, Attorney, Trademarks, Publishing, and Copyright Law Beyond Embarrassment is for everyone who has ever had to face a daunting medical or physical challenge. It is truly inspiring, offering suggestions for managing life’s hurdles. I was engaged with JoAnne’s story and have no doubt others will be too. While I was prepared for the book’s medical content, what really made a lasting impression is JoAnne’s honest, forthcoming and will-to-succeed story. None of us wants to end up with a neurogenic bowel and bladder, as JoAnne shares, but few can overcome what could be such a life halting condition, as she has done. It is within her generous spirit to tell about her experience. Her goal is to help others avoid the show stopping situations that she had to confront. I particularly like the Knowledge Nuggets and Tips. Each highlights points that JoAnne feels would be of particular importance to readers. And, I agree, they are! I strongly recommend that health care professionals read this and share with their patients who would benefit from JoAnne’s story. It will make for better, more understanding practitioners, and enhance their patients’ will to succeed. - Elaine Plummer, RN, BSN, Always Discreet Ambassador “Beyond Embarrassment is a book that helps friends, family, and those afflicted with a Neurogenic Bladder understand and deal with it. As our population ages, you know or will know, someone with a neurogenic bladder. Problems develop from hereditary genes, from accidents, from trauma, from aging, from diseases totally unassociated with bladder issues. JoAnne Lake has studied and written a face-saving book for those who have to deal with this condition. Frank, open and researched to the max with Julia Parker, it explores the ways of dealing with this malady. “An excellent resource book and one that lets you know you are not alone and can avoid the embarrassment.” - James A. Misko, Award Winning Author of All My Fathers Were and three other novels JoAnne Lake has written from a unique vantage point as she has both the condition and a vast knowledge of that condition. She writes a reliable guide and a fresh prescription for those who are living with the diagnosis of neurogenic bladder/bowel and for those who suspect they are. It is the best and most complete book on neurogenic bladder syndrome that I have read in my 30 years of family practice medicine. I will use it again and again as a resource and I will refer my patients to read this excellent book. - Kathy Matteson, BS, MN, FNP, ND, Medical Provider Facing life with an enduring affliction, especially one that carries intimate secrets about indiscreet body functioning, is weaved with a very an emotional component. JoAnne tells her story with honesty and transparency, with a generous heart to help others. She addresses the grief experienced from the loss of a normal life, lack of desire by those close to her to understand her condition as a result of their own embarrassment, the shame and isolation, all of which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression. This book is a must read for anyone facing these challenges. As you read, JoAnne will become a trusted friend that you be grateful to have along on your personal journey. Phyllis Oswald Rogers, MA, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

JoAnne Lake lives in the Seattle area with her husband Randy and dog Rainey. She is the mother of four grown children, one of whom has a neurogenic bladder. JoAnne’s wisdom is the result of challenges met head-on and experiences as a patient, wife, mother, educator, and friend. She graduated with a BA from Washington State University and a fifth year from Seattle University. After journaling her private thoughts and feelings, she started writing an anonymous Blog in 2012. This is her first book. Visit JoAnne Lake (as Trudy Triumph) at her website Julia Parker is known as the “Biosleuth.” She is a researcher of patent, scientific, medical, and company information by education and training. She has worked in non-profit and biopharmaceutical research and developmental sectors, as well as in clinical, academic, and public settings. Julia holds a BS in Microbiology from Purdue University, an MS in Pathobiology-SPHCM from the University of Washington, and an MLIS from the University of Washington. JoAnne’s story is researched and validated by her. Dr. Lora Plaskon is a founding member of Athena Women’s Health, Issaquah, Washington, and came to her avocation in the spirit of developing a unique place for women’s pelvic health care. Her midwestern candor, intuition, and clinical acumen have enabled Dr. Plaskon to be an astute caregiver for women’s most intimate pelvic health issues. She is dedicated to the ongoing evolution of improving women’s health-care in research and advocacy at a national level through her work with the American Urogynecologic Association and American Urology Association. Dr. Plaskon is an engineer, surgeon, epidemiologist, mother, wife, dog-lover, and avid hiker and explorer of the Pacific Northwest wilds.