Do You Tattoo?

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Do You Tattoo?

02-28-2008 5:57 PM EST by Michelle Kowalski
Categories: Type 1 Insulin & Pumps Complications Emotions Real Life
Tags: tattoos
Views: 763

I'm inked. Are you?

I have three tattoos. My first, which is also my favorite, was a simple butterfly on my right ankle. I sat on a metal folding chair with my leg twisted sideways on the tattoo artist's chair for what seemed like forever. I was 19. And then I got addicted. My second and third tattoos live on my right and left hips, respectively, and were done within two years of the first.

All my tattoos were received pre-children, pre-home ownership, pre-diabetes.

Lately, I've been thinking an awful lot about getting another one (I've even started browsing web sites). Aside from likely wanting to spend that kind of money on something else, I'm nervous about the possible effects of diabetes and getting a tattoo. I know that there are risks no matter what, even for people who don't have diabetes.

Recently, one of my friends at Diabetic Mommy got a new tattoo and wound up with a staph infection. She went to a reputable place and she's in control, yet got a complication. This could happen to anyone, I know, but I think that diabetes adds so much to the mix. I think I'm scared to take the chance.

So I am weighing the pros and cons. It's been years since I got a tattoo. The Mr. is itching for another one, too. This would be something we could do together (again). But I'm still just so nervous about the diabetes factor.

What are your thoughts?

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Comments (6)

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On February 29th, 2008 at 11:02 EST chelle1109 said:

I have 2 tattoos, myself. First was pre diabetic diagnosis, and the 2nd post. I went in on a whim, to get my second one, and didnt even think of there being any complications with it.

The tattoo is on my spine, mid back, and when he was finished, I felt very light headed, and woozy, and nearly fainted. My tattoo artist wasnt please that I hadnt mentioned my diagnosis, and said that it could offer up some serious concequences. And, that in the future should I get another, to eat a decent meal before my session.

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On February 29th, 2008 at 11:57 EST skjohn8 said:

I've got one too, and keep waffling back and forth on getting more (I guess that means I SHOULD NOT until I'm sure... hehe!).

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On February 29th, 2008 at 1:53 EST kimmerdawn02 said:

I got a tatoo 1.5 years ago and didn't have any problems with it. The tatoo artist let me take a break in the middle and I checked my blood sugar and I was fine. It healed just as fast as my husband's did which he got the same day. I had no problems and hope to get a ton more once I have the money and I say Go for it!

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On March 1st, 2008 at 1:32 EST blushfan said:

I'm type 1 and I had permanent makeup done about... maybe 2&1/2 years ago, due to some hair loss on my eyebrows. No weird reactions/allergies. But I'm not into tattoos otherwise because they're permanent and I can't change my mind after they're inked. Although, I would get a colorful little butterfly if I knew it would disappear in a month or two :)

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On March 15th, 2008 at 9:15 EDT jcooper0985 said:

Dear Michelle,
I'm 19 also. Lately i have been woundering about the factor of getting a tattoo. But I have to get a job and money first. Luckely Aultman Hospital just called me for a job interview for Phlebotomy. So if you ever decide to get one let me know because i am nervous abot the effects also.
Thanks,
Joe Cooper

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On May 16th, 2008 at 2:31 EDT fited216 said:

Im a type-1 and i have 8 tattoo that were all done after i found out i was a diabetic. A couple of then just took a little longer to heal other than that they all healed great.

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