Parkinson’s? You’re kidding me, right?: One woman’s unshakeable belief in overcoming a shaky diagnosis!

Sheryl Jedlinski has had Parkinson's disease for over 20 years – and, as a double whammy, she also had cancer. This book covers a lot of difficulties that people with PD face, but in every chapter Sheryl finds funny things to say. She deals with an awful lot: accepting that she has to use walking sticks to help her get around; accepting that she has to give up driving (although before this happens, she does have a few run-ins with the police); accepting that she falls out of the chair at her desk a lot and ends up under the table, which makes it difficult to answer the phone.Each chapter focuses on a crucial issue that all people with Parkinson's need to work on: finding the right doctor to diagnose your PD and manage your care going forward; fighting the disease with exercise; dealing with falls; getting involved with local Parkinson’s support groups; dealing with sleep issues (both insomnia and daytime drowsiness); dealing with all the non-motor symptoms (including accepting the fact that you may need adult diapers); dealing with eating out in restaurants.Dealing. The book deals with dealing. But Sheryl finds joy and/or humor in almost everything, and she leads an active life with friends, family, doctors, and police officers. Perhaps the greatest joy for her is the birth of her grandchild, and the opportunity to babysit her (with the help of Sheryl’s husband, Tony).I found this a wonderful and inspiring book.

As anyone who has PD knows you either laugh or you cry. On really good days you can do both. Sheryl has fought long and hard, and will continuefor years to come. From passing along tips on how to deal with the changes that PD brings to the PWP (Person with Parkinson's) their family and friends to fashion tips for the PWP on the go. (You have no sense of humor if you don't laugh at her swimming pool experience)After reading Sheryl's book I felt more hope and more calm than I have in years. I've always hoped I wasn't alone, but now I actually feel it.Thank you, Sheryl.From one PWP to another

Loved this book-it was written by my friend, Sheryl, given the diagnosis of Parkinson's 20 years ago, and her courageous and funny way of dealing with it all. It can be applied to anyone facing a difficult time.Cleverly woven within her story is helpful information about Parkinson's, the diagnosis, symptoms, treatments and effects, and working with your doctors. She had me in stitches most of the time, and it was like a breath of fresh air, her positive energy and outlook is good encouragement

This is a blunt book about what a person with Parkinson might face. Hard to read at times, the author has Parkinson's disease tells many things that may happen. This is the first time I had heard some facts.'

I read this book aloud to my husband, who is in the early stages of Parkinson's Disease.Some of it was humorous but there were a lot of great tips for dealing with the symptoms etc.

In a little over 200 pages Ms. Jedlinski has written how she has personally been affected by and how she has limited the progressive functional limitations of Parkinson's. She acknowledges the importance of proper medication but emphasizes that it is the willingness and willpower of an affected individual to engage the neurological effects of the condition that can make a significant impact on preserving function. She describes how dedication to exercise specifically created by a therapist and trainer helps to lessen and overcome the limitations of Parkinson's. Ms Jedlinski acknowledges that she would rather eat ice cream and shop than exercise but she still exercises daily. She describes the importance of a support group for an individual and goes way beyond that in writing this book to inform and support others. Moreover, she speaks at conferences across the country and the book includes her website with up to date information on Parkinson's. In the book she states that she wants to convey a "message of hope and positive thinking." The book lets you see the disappointments this diagnosis can cause but Ms. Jedlinski lets you see with humor how one can limit the disappointments.

If you are looking for a book to provide you with info on how to deal with your Parkinson's issues this is not the book you need. There are a few good tidbits, but overall it is just the author's story about her experiences. I would not recommend this book if you are looking for advice on how to deal with your PD symptoms.

I got this book when I was depressed about myself, and it lifted me with laughter. Her descriptions about insomnia, dystonia, and on/off times really hit home. Thank you for writing this.

Informative, I was diagnosed with PD in 2006 found this book very helpful. It reminded me of some of the tips I had forgotten or not used in awhile.Thanks

I could totally immerse myself in this book. The writer has all the symptoms I have and I found that as I read it I had a true friend in the writer. I loved this book. I have read it twice now.

Good humour, helpful