ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: a progressive, inflammatory arthritis characterized by fusion of various joints, especially of the spine, that leads to years of suffering. Norman Cousins described his experience with ankylosing spondylitis in his bestselling book, Anatomy of an Illness.
Signs and Symptoms: fatigue; malaise; weight loss; low back pains; sacroiliac pains; sometimes pain down the back of the legs; stiffness of the back, especially in the morning; stiffness and pain spreading up to involve the rest of the back; hips and shoulders ache and feel stiff; in advanced stages there is forward flexion of the spine, forcing the person to walk with his head facing the ground (almost like an exaggerated Groucho Marx walk).
BACTEREMIA: a condition in which bacteria invade the circulating blood. The bacteria can come from a small abcess on the skin, dental drilling or manipulations, infections in the urinary tract or female organs, lung infections, intravenous drug use, indwelling intravenous catheters, urinary catheters, surgical procedures, and almost any other way bacteria can get into your blood.
Signs and Symptoms: fever; fatigue; rapid heart rate; rapid breathing; cool, pale extremities; can lead to confusion or disorientation; shortness of breath.
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Tags: General health