A new lease on life

Sarnia’s Micheline Steele had big plans for her retirement – spending time with her husband, traveling the world, getting out in nature and being active every day.

But shortly into her time off, this fitness enthusiast started to experience pain in her shoulders and neck that kept increasing in intensity. She found it difficult to cook, clean or visit loved ones, let alone get out for a bike ride or a run. Over time, her pain became relentless, and her excitement for the future stalled.

Steele spent the next few years trying to find relief from her diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome. She tried physiotherapy, osteopathy and chiropractic care, but nothing worked. Looking back, she recalls the grief she felt as she realized that her pain wasn’t going to resolve on its own, saying “it was a really difficult time. You have an idea how you think your life is going to go, and then it completely changes.”

Gratefully, she did find support, connection and grounding through a virtual mindfulness group from the comfort of home. That’s where she learned from a fellow participant about St. Joseph’s Pain & Symptom Management Program.

“That was the stroke of luck that changed everything for me,” she shares. “I didn’t just want to try a different medication. I wanted to hopefully get to a place where my pain was much more manageable.”

Finding relief

When she entered the program, it was the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of her appointments took place virtually, which actually worked out in her favor – she didn’t need to endure the long drive or sitting for long periods, which could cause her pain to flare up. Members of the care team helped guide her every step of the way.

Working closely with an occupational therapist, psychiatrist and physiotherapist, Steele found new tools that provided relief from her physical symptoms and helped her address her emotional and psychological side effects. Today, she’s continuing to take booster classes through St. Joseph’s, some virtually and some in person, as part of her ongoing care. And her pain is finally considered manageable.

Through finding the right care, delivered in the right way, she uncovered hope and learned lessons that will stay with her forever – like knowing when to slow down. “I just have that personality, I wouldn't have stopped until my body stopped me,” Steele says. “I think our culture is so focused on ‘doing’ and I never stopped to examine it. Learning how to take a real break was hard for me, but it was important.”

Connection, community and contribution

Steele decided to give back to the organization that helped her by working as a St. Joseph’s care partner and sharing her story with others. She also facilitates workshops, is still in the mindfulness group and participates in a book club – all virtual activities that have given her a sense of community and allowed her to contribute to the world in a meaningful way throughout this stage of her life as a retiree.

With the pain at bay, she’s been able to enjoy more activities than she has in years. She just started trying long, restorative bike rides out in nature again. But her care journey also allowed her to reflect on her overall health and prioritize what really matters. “Before, exercise was a stress reliever, but it also caused me stress if I didn’t exercise. In hindsight, it was a real gift because I wouldn't have worked through those feelings if I didn’t have to.”

She credits the entire team at St. Joseph’s for listening to her right from the beginning and always treating her with kindness. “With chronic pain, people have expectations that you’re fine because you don’t look sick, but on the inside you’re screaming,” she says. “When I came to St. Joseph’s, everyone was empathetic and compassionate. I was credible to them and that made all the difference.”

Your Donation Matters to Micheline

Your gift today will help fund essential medical equipment at St. Joseph's.

Donate today