Seeking Advice on Bulging Veins Related to AS and Treatment
Greetings everyone, I’m reaching out for some guidance regarding recurrent bulging veins that are quite noticeable on my legs. At 33, I’ve been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). My condition includes significant nerve involvement due to my autoimmune disease alongside a few discs that are pressing against the thecal sac. I engage in some light exercises, primarily focusing on stretching and walking for cardio, but it’s not extensive. Currently, my medication regimen consists of 50mg of etanercept administered weekly, along with methotrexate dosages that vary between 5mg and 7.5mg each week. Additionally, I have been on prednisone for a few months now. Fortunately, my blood pressure readings are within normal limits, and both my liver and kidneys appear to be functioning well. I am also undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and utilizing HCG to help maintain my fertility. I suspect that this recent development—occurring over the past couple of months—may be linked to the TRT, as these bulging veins tend to fluctuate significantly. They seem to worsen when I adjust my testosterone or HCG doses. Given these circumstances, I’m curious if reducing or pausing my TRT, along with beginning PCT and HCG, might alleviate these vein issues while also addressing my low testosterone levels. I will post pictures in the comments to illustrate the severity of the situation. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your responses!
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 1:50:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points:
It sounds like you’re experiencing noticeable bulging veins in your legs, and you suspect that changes in your testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be contributing to this issue. Given your background with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and other medications, it's important to approach this carefully.
Explanation:
Bulging veins can occur for various reasons, and they may be linked to blood flow or increased pressure in the veins. In your case, several factors could be playing a role:
-
TRT and Hormones: Testosterone can influence fluid retention and vascular changes, which might explain the fluctuations in the appearance of the veins. If recent adjustments in your TRT have coincided with the worsening of vein prominence, this could indeed be a factor.
-
Exercise and Positioning: While you engage in light exercise, prolonged sitting or standing, or specific exercises can cause veins to bulge.
-
Autoimmune Condition: Your diagnosis of AS could contribute to changes in circulation or tissue integrity, although this is less direct.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Changes: Keep a detailed record of how your vein prominence changes in relation to your TRT doses and activities. Note any accompanying symptoms (like pain or swelling), which can help identify patterns.
-
Consider Dose Adjustments: It may be worth discussing a temporary reduction or pause of your TRT or HCG therapy with your healthcare provider. This should ideally be done under professional supervision to monitor both your hormone levels and symptoms closely.
-
Review with a Specialist: Considering the complexity of your condition, seek guidance from both your endocrinologist regarding TRT and your rheumatologist for AS. They can provide tailored advice that considers both your hormone levels and joint health.
-
Increase Leg Exercise: Incorporate regular leg exercises that promote circulation, such as gentle leg raises and calf stretches, which may help alleviate some of the vein bulging. Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing if possible.
-
Compression Stockings: If bulging veins become bothersome, consider using compression stockings, which can help support vein health and reduce swelling.
-
Hydration and Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring adequate hydration can also support vascular health.
Taking these steps can help manage your symptoms more effectively. Please let me know if you have further questions or want more specific details regarding any points!
Related Questions
Could this be a type of cyst?
I'm a 28-year-old female, and last month, laboratory tests revealed that all my results were normal. I have no existing health concerns, and the only recent change I've made is discontinuing hormonal birth control. Currently, I am prescribed bupropion and Vyvanse. There hasn't been any trauma to my hand, yet as shown in the accompanying images, a swelling appears at different intervals throughout the day. The first set of images was taken at 7:30 AM, while the second was captured at 11 AM. The affected area feels firm but not hard and is not accompanied by any pain. What do you think it could be?
Duration of Recovery from Perforated Eardrums
Age: 34 Gender: Female Current medications: amoxicillin, steroid nasal spray, ibuprofen A few weeks ago, my three-year-old returned home with an exceptionally bad cold, which unfortunately spread through our household. After enduring a particularly mucus-heavy third week, I found one of my ears suddenly became extremely congested on Wednesday evening. This congestion rapidly escalated into ear pain, and by the next morning, I was grappling with excruciating pressure that robbed me of any sleep. By 7 am, my ear began producing an array of hissing, rustling, and popping sounds, relieving the pressure but leading to the discharge of a clear fluid tinged with brown. Later that same day, the other ear mirrored these symptoms, blocking and aching before swiftly following the same course. Now, my ability to hear is significantly diminished, leaving me unable to hear my toddler or baby crying, which causes me great concern. I consulted my general practitioner, who diagnosed me with perforated eardrums. She prescribed antibiotics and a steroid nasal spray but was unable to specify the duration of the fluid discharge (which is still ongoing) or when my hearing might return to normal. According to the NHS website, recovery could extend to two months—I'm curious whether this timeframe is typical or more indicative of a worst-case scenario. As a stay-at-home mother, regaining my health is crucial, especially with my husband preparing for a trip in a month's time. It’s imperative that I am able to hear so I can respond to my children if they need me during the night. Is there anything additional I can pursue, and what should I anticipate in my recovery?
Experiencing Swelling and Discomfort Behind My Ear?
27-year-old male, no smoking or medications. Hello everyone, this is my first time sharing on this platform. Back in June, I discovered a few minor bumps located behind my ear. Initially, I thought they might just be lymph nodes. Over time, these bumps have noticeably increased in size, and I’ve now identified two larger ones that feel quite firm and immobile—it's easy to palpate them. Alongside this, I've been experiencing sinus problems, and my ear has been causing me discomfort. Just yesterday, I noticed additional lumps in my neck on the same side, as well as smaller ones on the opposite side behind my ear. There's a sensation of pressure in that area, which has become quite unpleasant. What should my next steps be? I haven’t taken any action yet.
Is It Normal to Experience Changes in Your Belly Button After Laparoscopic Surgery?
I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 110 pounds, and I underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy just a week ago. Upon waking from the procedure, I noticed that my belly button, which has always been an inward indentation, is now protruding. There doesn't seem to be any opening or indentation; it just sticks out noticeably. Additionally, it feels quite firm, and I'm not certain if that detail is significant. I have three incision sites, one of which is located at the belly button itself. I can even see some stitches through this area. I'm unsure if it was stitched in such a way that would cause this bulging or if something else might be happening. Unfortunately, I've been unable to reach my surgeon for clarification and am thinking about contacting my general practitioner instead. Could anyone advise me whether this is a typical outcome after such surgery?
Issues with Bite Alignment After Using Essix Aligners
23 years old It's been a year since my braces were taken off, and initially, my bite felt spot on; I had no trouble closing my mouth normally. However, once I began wearing my retainers, things took a turn: - At first, I struggled to bite down completely with the retainers in place. Even an additional millimeter on the molars meant my front teeth couldn't come together, so my bite felt incomplete. - Over time, I adjusted and could manage to close my mouth while wearing the retainers, but whenever I took them out, I found myself unable to bite correctly. Upon returning to my orthodontist, she informed me that this issue might stem from my wisdom teeth coming in. Despite having them surgically removed, my bite hasn’t returned to normal. So, what could be the cause of this situation? Did my molars shift? Is my jaw misaligned? I’m unsure what’s going wrong. When I attempt to close my mouth, the only points of contact I notice are my left side’s second premolars. The other molars remain apart. (The first premolars were removed by my dentist; I had all four taken out.) It feels like the outer cusp of my lower second premolar (the side facing the lips) is colliding with the cusp of my upper second premolar (the side facing the tongue). What steps can be taken to resolve this issue?