Unstoppable: Author How Sheila J. Brooks Has Redefined Success While Navigating Society With A Disability
As often as I can, to whomever I may meet, I aim to shine and spread a light of positivity. Every day IS a day of thanksgiving, if you’re alive to see a brand-new day. I have been promoting my memoir since its 2023 release, and I tell everyone I meet about my book, and where they can obtain a copy. Corresponding on social media, is another way that I’ve been capable of reaching out to people near and far, spreading positive thoughts, messages, and songs.
As a part of our “Unstoppable” series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Sheila J. Brooks, RN, BSN. Sheila is an award-winning author, accomplished poet, and sought-after speaker with a passion for empowering others through her words and work. A native of New York City, Sheila resided in Mount Vernon, N.Y. for 41 years, where she raised her two children and cultivated a life dedicated to service and creativity. Initially pursuing a voice major at a prestigious high school, Sheila ultimately found her true calling in nursing. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and embarked on a healthcare career in 1979, providing compassionate care to those in need. Her deep understanding of caregiving and human resilience became instrumental when she authored her memoir, On the Receiving End, serving as a foundation for her impactful storytelling and offering readers an authentic and heartfelt perspective on her life. Beyond her work in healthcare, Sheila is a published poet and skilled voice-over artist whose creative endeavors amplify her unique voice. An engaging public speaker, she is frequently invited to share her expertise and experiences at conferences, book signings, women’s empowerment events, and on podcasts. Her dedication to care, creativity, and community continues to inspire those around her.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! It is really an honor. Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
Born on Friday, June 13, 1958, I was the only child born to ‘older’ first-time parents. We lived in housing that was exclusively reserved for hospital employees (mother), and upon turning sixteen, my mother encouraged me to volunteer as a candy striper. The hospital/patient experience was both exhilarating and fulfilling, and it reinforced my desire to become a nurse providing care to those in need.
Later that year, I developed a serious health issue that necessitated hospitalization. Although it was terrifying, being on the receiving end of healthcare was also very enlightening. Regrettably, I required hospitalization over the next two years for issues that necessitated surgical intervention. In addition to being frightening, the hospital stays resulted in postoperative pain that I had to endure.
The nursing care provided during these three hospitalizations was outstanding and had a significant impact. Becoming a registered nurse was now a goal and ambition that had been ingrained in my mind and spirit. My aspiration in life was not going to be hindered by anything.
While being raised by older parents was tough enough, living with a father who verbally and physically abuses your mother was a terrifying experience. Their dysfunctional marriage became apparent to me during my elementary school years, and it had an impact on both my personal development and my grades. It remained consistent throughout my junior and high school years, and into college. While studying psychiatry as a nursing major, I developed a clearer understanding of my father’s behavior and mindset.
One day, unbeknownst to my parents, I witnessed a violent attack on my mother. At once, I became extremely enraged, snapped, and was prepared to do severe bodily harm to my father. My mother commanded me not to do it, and I followed her advice. At that moment, I realized that I needed to escape this toxic environment, to ensure that my life’s aspirations were fulfilled. I married before starting my senior year in college, leaving my mother in the hands of God.
Do you feel comfortable sharing with us the story surrounding how you became disabled or became ill?
In 1996, at the age of 38, I became totally and permanently disabled, hindering me from engaging in future gainful employment. As a registered nurse, I had experienced a variety of physical ailments that required me to take medical leaves of absence during my sixteen years of employment. Fortunately, I was always capable of recovering and returning to work.
In 1994, I received a diagnosis of Endometriosis. Despite having some of the common symptoms, I was a 36-year-old Black woman who had experienced five pregnancies, which is not typical. Despite receiving treatment for two years, endometriosis continued to grow outside of my uterus, as revealed via pelvic ultrasound. My Fallopian tubes were previously surgically removed, because of ectopic pregnancies. To eradicate endometriosis, my gynecologist proposed removing my uterus and ovaries (TAH/BSO). I consented, as enduring the painful agony of endometriosis until menopause, was unimaginable.
The operation was straightforward, my postoperative course went smoothly, and I was discharged within five days. Following my follow-up appointment with the gynecologist, I began observing several odd and unusual symptoms associated with my gynecology and colorectal system. The gynecologist assured me that I was healthy, and it was all in my mind. Knowing my body well and recognizing a problem, I visited my medical doctor, who was also a gastroenterologist.
The response I had received from the gynecologist, caused him to become extremely concerned and perturbed. He made contact with a gynecologist colleague who was receptive to becoming involved in my case. Together, they devised a plan of action, to uncover the root cause of my issue. I was taken to the operating room by these two doctors, for an extensive and invasive examination under anesthesia. The following day, I visited the gynecologist’s office to be reexamined, and learn the results of the test.
I completely zoned out, when I was informed it was highly probable that a rectovaginal fistula was responsible for my symptoms. This is an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina, and it was deduced that the fistula was somehow created during my TAH/BSO. The surgical repair of the fistula was the next item on the agenda, thus, my medical doctor recommended that I consult the surgeon who shared his office space. I promptly visited this surgeon, who had already reviewed my medical records. He explained everything I needed to be aware of, and stressed the urgency of locating and repairing this fistula, to avoid systemic contamination.
After having this exploratory surgery, it was confirmed that there was a rectovaginal fistula, which was successfully repaired. On Christmas Eve, I was discharged, following a relatively uncomplicated postoperative course. At this point, I believed that the worst was behind me, I would make a full recovery, and resume my employment as a visiting nurse. Regrettably, this is not the way events unfolded. Since I’d already been on a medical leave for seven months, my employer’s disability carrier advised me to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. I followed their advice, but remained hopeful and prayed for the restoration of my health.
The following, are the details of the complications that ensued following the repair of my rectovaginal fistula repair in 1996, surrounding my disability status.
-1996: Presacral abscess: a rare bacterial infection in the presacral space, located behind the sacrum. (Occurred within a few days of being discharged. MD unable to reach/drain it) Readmitted: antibiotic therapy. A central intravenous line placement into my neck, punctured a lung and collapsed it, resulting in a pneumothorax.
A Broviac catheter was inserted into my right jugular vein prior to D/C: for antibiotic therapy at home.
-1997: Presacral abscess did not respond to extensive antibiotic therapy & other treatment. Laparotomy performed: creation of colostomy.
-1997: Intestinal obstruction (with colostomy). Laparotomy performed: lysis of adhesions (excessive scar tissue resulted in this obstruction).
Grand mal seizure postoperative in the recovery room. Suffered left sided postictal paralysis, lasting for 3 months.
-1997: Sepsis (a very serious systemic infection) via Broviac catheter. Catheter d/c’d from the right internal jugular vein. Started on “triple antibiotics”.
Swelling develops at the site where the catheter was removed: ultrasound revealed- Right Internal Jugular Vein Thrombosis: started on intravenous anticoagulant therapy (Heparin).
-1997: Colostomy reversal: Developed post-op incisional infection. Incised and drained- not sutured close: left open to heal naturally.
-1998: Bowel obstruction: testing revealed a segment of bowel was “twisted”.
Laparotomy performed: bowel untwisted, and stapled. Ileostomy created (Ostomy at the lowest part of the intestine).
For this operation, a vascular surgeon inserted an intravenous line into my right femoral vein. Having blood clotting issues, this line was to be removed ASAP post-op.
Unfortunately, I STILL developed a right lower extremity venous thrombosis. Despite being stated on anticoagulation therapy quickly, my right leg was swollen to more than twice the size of my left leg.
**Despite taking 4 times the normal dose of the blood thinner prescribed, the blood clot barely decreased in size.
-1998: Pulmonary Embolism: spent 6 hours in the ER in negative pressure isolation room
-1998: Greenfield Filter Insertion (operating room)
My disability benefits application was denied twice by Social Security. With assistance from a disability attorney, I was granted a hearing before a judge. It was inevitable that I shed tears during my testimony, which was a testimony from the depths of my heart. I received notification of the judge’s approval to receive benefits in a matter of weeks. Once more, I cried.
In 1999, I started receiving care from a prominent teaching hospital in Manhattan. The names of the specialists I should contact were given to me by close friends who work there. An ophthalmologist was recommended to me by the medical doctor. LA change in my vision had occurred a while back, and I wanted my eyes examined. The doctor diagnosed me with glaucoma, and further testing revealed “blind spots” in both eyes, which were permanent. Ophthalmic drops were prescribed to treat my glaucoma.
– 1999: Ileostomy Reversal
– 1999: Post-op Bowel Obstruction — Ileostomy Reopening.
– 1999: Exploratory Laparotomy — Ileostomy Reversal (My normal bowel functioning was successfully restored!!!
Post-op wound infection with abscess: Incision and drainage-open wound.
– 1999: Wound Infection — Incision and drainage: Intravenous antibiotics > oral antibiotics.
Although the road has not been easy, I am grateful to not look like what I have been through. I’m blessed to not only have survived, but thrived in the midst of illness and adversity. To have become a published author at the age of 65 and have people from all around the world, who I know and don’t know, read about my life story and health journey is mind blowing! The very book that I was inspired to write in my hospital bed, while going through some of the darkest and scariest years in my life, has inspired people to begin writing their own story, have a deeper compassion for people with “hidden illnesses”, and those who provide care for them. It has also given them a newfound respect for survivors who have walked through the fire and have not been burned. I liken myself to a rose that grew from concrete — I met, tackled, and overcame insurmountable obstacles, and bloomed where I was planted. Now that is redefining success!
What mental shift did you make to not let that “stop you”?
There was no way possible, that I could allow my disability to “stop me”! My divorce was granted one month prior to becoming disabled, and I was granted custody of my fourteen-year-old son, and thirteen-year-old daughter. I was their lifeline, and they needed me to survive. Despite everything, I remained determined and persistent in my pursuit of progress, no matter what.
Can you tell our readers about the accomplishments you have been able to make despite your disability or illness?
Here are some of the accomplishments I’ve been able to make despite my disability:
– Completing and getting my memoir published.
– Having my memoir carried/sold by major retailers.
– Launching a website: introducing myself, showcasing and promoting my book.
– Speaker @ Women’s Tea — Re: Memoir & my experiences on the receiving end.
– Becoming a voice-over artist, and recording a studio Demo tape.
– Baking and cooking: for myself/special orders.
What advice would you give to other people who have disabilities or limitations?
Not all heroes wear capes and not all disabilities are visible. When you think of a disabled person, what may quintessentially come to mind are the physical attributes that identify them as being different from the average person. However, many people living with a disability or limitation, such as myself, wear an “invisible cape”. We are a brotherhood/sisterhood of mankind, whose lives have been altered or detoured from the vision that we once had for ourselves.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are?
I am so very grateful to my daughter, who means the world to me. As an only child, she’s been as close to me as I imagine a sister would be. She has been/is my cheerleader, supporter, encourager, comforter, companion, helper, and someone that I can always rely on. Her heart is made of pure gold, and she is a gift and blessing from God.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
As often as I can, to whomever I may meet, I aim to shine and spread a light of positivity. Every day IS a day of thanksgiving, if you’re alive to see a brand-new day. I have been promoting my memoir since its 2023 release, and I tell everyone I meet about my book, and where they can obtain a copy. Corresponding on social media, is another way that I’ve been capable of reaching out to people near and far, spreading positive thoughts, messages, and songs.
Can you share “5 things I wish people understood or knew about people with physical limitations” and why.
1. Physical limitations, are limitations with physical activities due to a health condition.
(People often “assume” that physical limitations also mean mental incapacity).
2. People with certain physical limitations are still employable.
(Jobs often discriminate against those with physical limitations).
3. Physical limitations are NOT contagious.
(People often steer clear of a person with limitations, as if they’ll catch it!)
4. People with physical limitations are human beings, like you and me.
(People ARE PEOPLE, and deserve to be treated with the same respect that you expect)
5. There but for the grace of God goes I.
(Sickness knows NO prejudice, and can unexpectedly affect anyone, anytime. BE KIND!)
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”?
“God has his plans and his reasons. Sometimes we are supposed to go through things so that we learn lessons. ”
— Dolly Parton
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this 🙂
Meeting Michelle Obama would be especially meaningful to me. I admired her as a First Lady, wife, mother, and a sophisticated woman of dignity, beauty, poise, and grace.
Thank you so much for the time you spent with this interview. We wish you continued success and good health!
Unstoppable: Author How Sheila J Brooks Has Redefined Success While Navigating Society With A Disab was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.