A woman who swims in the sea at Seaham said it helps her deal with chronic pain so bad that giving birth paled by comparison - because at least the pain there had a good reason.
Kathleen Wotton, 50, has a range of health conditions including lipidaemia, severe hypermobility, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. The mum, who lives in Murton, has struggled with the trauma of chronic pain for most of her life - but said swimming in cold water had helped her manage.
Kathleen has previously spoken about losing weight by open water swimming, but said this was just part of her story. Speaking ahead of a public health campaign called Flippin' Pain which aims to bust myths about chronic pain conditions and improve care for people suffering, she said being in the water was a blessed relief.
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She said: "I had my first migraine at about 10. That was horrendous. The only pain relief that works for me is cold water on my skin. During lockdown I got really into it and it has helped so much. Yes I have lost weight, but it's far more than that.
"Chronic pain can be a vicious circle. You struggle to manage and you can't sleep and you can wake up just crying in pain. I used to want to go to sleep and not wake up.
"Without the swimming I'm not sure I would be here now. That first swim was pretty horrific, not in the water itself but just getting there. Getting down to the sea, getting out of the house. But as soon as I got into the water it felt incredible. The pain had gone - I had never felt anything like it."
She said that it could be difficult to get doctors to look past weight and consider underlying issues, adding that it was important for people suffering to find ways to deal with pain that suit them. She said: "When I start swimming in the sea, I’m actually pain-free. I’m alive in the sea, I’m like a child. My inner child comes out because I just feel so comfortable and it’s the only release I get.
"It gave me my body and my mind back. It was an abundance of joy. I get that same effect every time, as well as a massive sense of achievement. It makes my pain feel like a motivator instead of my enemy."
Kathleen has also taken to singing as a way of coping with her pain. Inspired by country singer Paul Holley, she has taken to belting out a tune or two - and not worrying if it's any good. She added: "Something connected with me and changed me! I can’t sing! But it gives me a break from what I’m going through. I can sing my way out of agony to more tolerable pain."
Richard Pell, campaign director at Flippin Pain said: "The impact of chronic pain is far reaching, affecting more than one in four people in the Tees Valley. That’s why our tour is so important to not only support those suffering with pain, but to help them on their health journeys by sharing latest education and learnings on the topic, hearing inspiring stories from individuals like Kathleen, and giving hope.
"Persistent pain can affect anyone but with the right knowledge and techniques, there is a lot that people can do to improve their situation."
Flippin' Pain is carrying out a week-long public tour with stops in Darlington (May 7) and Durham (May 12). In between, the tour - supported by NHS bodies and Teesside University - will stop in Whitby, Guisborough, Saltburn, and Hartlepool. To find out more, see here.
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