Stroke by Stroke, Courtney Swims to a Pain-Free Future
Since elementary school, Courtney, of McKinney, Texas, has swum competitively and recreationally. She specializes in freestyle swimming, which allows her to pick the stroke she wants for speed and efficiency. Recently, the freshman competed at her 5A state championship competition. With swiftness, Courtney earned second place in the 200-meter freestyle and third place in the 500-meter freestyle — accomplishments made possible by her treatment from Scottish Rite for Children’s Rheumatology team.
At 18 months old, Courtney was diagnosed with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Oligoarticular JIA is characterized by swelling, stiffness and limited mobility in four or fewer joints. Courtney experienced swelling in her right knee and left ankle. Since 2016, her care team has included pediatric rheumatologists who created a treatment plan of medications and injections to reduce inflammation of Courtney’s joints.
“Scottish Rite will always have a place in my heart,” Courtney says. “Everyone at Scottish Rite treats you with kindness, and it is a place where pain is met with compassion, care and hope.”
With each visit, Courtney and pediatric rheumatologist Julie M. Fuller, M.D., grew closer and built a bond rooted in trust, encouragement and shared determination of navigating her condition. “Dr. Fuller is always so upbeat and caring,” Courtney says. “Even when my arthritis was being mean to me, she was always optimistic about treatment. I looked forward to coming to Scottish Rite because I knew Dr. Fuller was willing to do anything to get my condition under control.”
Over the years, Courtney has made plentiful memories around Scottish Rite. She enjoys visiting Falco, the Frisco campus therapy dog. Additionally, Courtney recalls positive memories of Camp Joint Adventure, a camp she has attended since she was 9. Camp Joint Adventure unites patients who have a variety of conditions in a safe “can do” environment.
“I met really good friends through Camp Joint Adventure, and I still keep in touch with many of them,” Courtney says. “I also am a huge dog lover, so to have Falco at camp with us made it even better! Scottish Rite has just done so much for me.”
Now, Courtney describes Scottish Rite as her second home. She began swimming to provide relief to her oligoarticular JIA symptoms, and it has become a passion she will continue in the future. “For anyone who struggles with arthritis, I want you to know you can do whatever you set your mind to,” Courtney says. “With every memory I have made at Scottish Rite, it has changed my life for the better. My family could not have picked a better place for me to go.”
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