In late December 2002, her left knee was drained due to swelling caused by her arthritis. She withdrew from the 2003 Canadian Championships after competing in the qualifying and short programs. In February 2003, Watt said that her disease was in remission and that she was off her medication and training on ice 3–4 hours a day. Her condition subsequently deteriorated, causing her to leave skating and stay off the ice almost entirely for three and a half years until autumn 2008. Although she attempted to make a comeback, she did not qualify for the 2009 Canadian Championships.