Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fourteen-year-old Sadie is an accomplished athlete. One wouldn’t know
that just a few years ago, she was diagnosed with a disease that could have
ended her competitive swimming career.
Sadie’s first symptom was a sore and swollen finger. In April 1998, Sadie
was referred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital by her pediatrician. Once
at ACH, she was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic condition
that causes joint inflammation, pain, swelling, redness and stiffness.
The juvenile rheumatoid arthritis became active in 18 of Sadie’s joints.
Because of her pain, she also experienced fatigue and loss of appetite.
According to Sadie’s mother, Vicky, “All of the nurses at ACH have
been extremely courteous and friendly. We felt like we always received current
and up-to-date information on her condition.”
While at ACH, Sadie was attended by Dr. Paula Morris, whom she still visits
regularly for checkups, evaluations and routine blood tests. Although she is
a very active teenager, Sadie has experienced some permanent effects of the
arthritis. She has some bone loss in her jaw and occasional joint flares.
“As a competitive swimmer, she has won numerous medals while battling
this disease,” says Pam Andrews, an RN in the pediatric rheumatology
clinic. “Through
it all, Sadie was quite an inspiration.”
Sadie is currently in the ninth grade at Ramay High School in Fayetteville.
Her future goals include qualifying for the junior national swimming championship,
obtaining a college swimming scholarship and entering the nursing field after
graduation.
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