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Oh Crap! It's Parkinson's: A Rebel's Guide to Taking Back Control of Your Life
A Parkinson’s diagnosis changes everything. What happens next still belongs to you.
When physician Sara Whittingham was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at forty-six, she had medical training—and still felt the shock, fear, and uncertainty of not knowing what her future would look like.
Oh Crap! It’s Parkinson’s begins there. Part memoir, part practical guide, it brings together clear explanations, honest stories, humor, and the hard-won wisdom of people living with Parkinson’s. Sara helps you understand what is happening, ask better questions, build a team, and find ways to keep doing what matters to you.
Inside, you’ll explore movement, medications, mindset, relationships, and the everyday decisions that can make life with Parkinson’s more manageable. You’ll meet people whose lives changed after diagnosis and who found new ways forward—each on their own terms.
Written for people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, those who have been living with it for years, and the people who love them, this book offers hope without pretending the hard parts are easy.
Parkinson’s may change your plans. You still have a say in what happens next.
About the This premium edition features a full-color interior with illustrations and visual features that make the information easier to follow and the stories more engaging.
When physician Sara Whittingham was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at forty-six, she had medical training—and still felt the shock, fear, and uncertainty of not knowing what her future would look like.
Oh Crap! It’s Parkinson’s begins there. Part memoir, part practical guide, it brings together clear explanations, honest stories, humor, and the hard-won wisdom of people living with Parkinson’s. Sara helps you understand what is happening, ask better questions, build a team, and find ways to keep doing what matters to you.
Inside, you’ll explore movement, medications, mindset, relationships, and the everyday decisions that can make life with Parkinson’s more manageable. You’ll meet people whose lives changed after diagnosis and who found new ways forward—each on their own terms.
Written for people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, those who have been living with it for years, and the people who love them, this book offers hope without pretending the hard parts are easy.
Parkinson’s may change your plans. You still have a say in what happens next.
About the This premium edition features a full-color interior with illustrations and visual features that make the information easier to follow and the stories more engaging.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 11, 2026
I got to know Sara Whittingham a bit online as we were both pursuing Parkinson's blog creation. Her effort eventually turned into this amazing book, which she knocked out in a matter of months. It's an wide-ranging guidebook that would interest someone recently diagnosed with Parkinson's as well as "veterans" of the disease. From her perspective as a doctor and an Air Force veteran, Sara shares wisdom from her own experiences with Parkinson's, and allows plenty of space for other people's journeys as well. Her advice to both patients and care partners is solid. I love the easy-to-read format and delightful illustrations. This would be an excellent gift to give someone new to Parkinson's disease.
For my more detailed review, see https://unshakablehiker.com/oh-crap-i...
For my more detailed review, see https://unshakablehiker.com/oh-crap-i...
June 2, 2026
The book was just amazing. I couldn't put it down. I am learning about this Parkinson's. Sara challenged as she learned too. Thank you Sara.
May 7, 2026
Considering that Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological disease in the world and consequently many more people are being diagnosed with it all of the time now, this book is an essential read for those with this disease and their caregivers. Whether you were recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s or have had the disease for several years, you will find this book to be very informative and uplifting. Naturally receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be devastating and difficult to accept. Not only are there motor symptoms such as tremors and rigidity, there are many non-motor symptoms such as loss of sense of smell and anxiety as well. It can be overwhelming. What I really like about this book is the emphasis on movement and mindset. Whether it’s aerobic or strength building exercises or those for flexibility and balance, Sara emphasizes how very important keeping active is for not only your physical health, but for your mental and emotional health as well. As she stresses, movement is essential. Even though living with Parkinson’s can be very challenging and difficult, I agree with Sara that mindset matters. As she expressed, even though your life with Parkinson’s might no longer be what you had planned it to be, being grateful for all that you still have and striving to be optimistic will enable you to accept what is and to continue living your best life. When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s over nine years ago, my motto became “Keep on living” and I even have a bracelet I often wear with those words engraved on it. The illustrations with Twitchy McGrit in the book are great too! I therefore highly recommend Oh Crap! It’s Parkinson’s: A Rebel’s Guide to Taking Back Control of Your Life for everyone who has Parkinson’s, cares for someone with it, or wants to learn more about this disease.
September 8, 2026
Excellent, inspirational, and super helpful to someone just diagnosed with parkinsons!! Super well written!!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews