Tattoos are becoming more and more mainstream by the minute. By the time I am old and gray most of the elderly will be sleeved out. What used to be a staple behind saliors, gangs, and prisons have become an addiction for soccer moms, preacher's wife, and muscle bound men! Even so, does that mean that they are medically cleared?
Has your doctor tried to turn you away from tattoos? Being that Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that makes our immune system very susceptible to infection is there a method behind your doctors madness?
First, you would automatically think blood mixing with the ink seems to be a bad idea. Could it interfere with your blood work or even X-rays? When the ink is properly put into the skin, it should never be deep enough to affect your blood system.
★This is where common sense comes into play. Being that you are diagnosed with CF or any other medical disease that can compromise your health you need to take precaution with everything you do not just tattoos.
Make certain you are healthy before scheduling a tattoo! If you already are under the weather you are risking an infection in fact asking for one. If you start feeling a flair coming on, which we can all tell, let your tattoo artist know and reschedule! They would rather you be safe than sick, as long as you reschedule. Don't be an ass and schedule and then never go in, that is just wrong and unprofessional. Tattooing is a highly respectable profession these days and it takes a good deal of time to prepare for your tattoo.
★Make sure to scout your tattoo artist and shop! If they are NOT legal or are kitchen magicians use your brain and DO NOT GET INKED!
Every shop in the US must be certified, inspected, and up to code when it comes to tattooing regulations and laws required by your states health department. Google, Bing, Facebook stalk, do everything in your power to make sure your artist has a good reputation before getting a tattoo. You can even go directly to the health department and see complaints, health scores, and standings. The shop should have an autoclave which is a device for sterilizing equipment. Make sure the artist uses a new, sterile needle with every tattoo. Along with putting on a new pair of gloves when you sit down and changes them after every break!
★PICC lines, ports, IVs, or blood draws will not mess up your tattoo. This is a question I have seen often. If for some reason your scar tissue grows over the insertion site, almost every tattoo artist has a policy for lifelong touch ups. A small touch up will not hurt you or your tattoo and normally requires a whole ten minutes to do. If you admire your ink and the tiny white scar bothers you it is worth a quick fix!
If your doctor tells you that because you have CF, post transplant, or are listed on the transplant list that you can not get a tattoo, they are full of it and simply do not like the idea of tattoos in general. This should not stop you from getting what you want. Remember, it is your body and your skin to decorate.
★Is there risk of infection? Yes! Is there a risk of the ink rejecting? Yes! This is true for anyone seeking a tattoo CF or "healthy" there is always a risk when doing anything foreign to your body.
The important things is knowing what to look for, how to take care of your tattoo, and making certain to pay attention to any and all changes in your skin, body, and temperature.
★Risk of post transplant infections with tattooing is possible, but not likely if you go to a legit tattoo artist and take proper care of yourself and your tattoo. Keep in mind all of us are different.
One thing people with lower immune systems seem to do is over wash the tattoo. The more you wash it the more you expose your tattoo to the elements outside of your body. This actually works against you although it seems it should be the other way around.
Taking care of your skin immediately after getting a tattoo can both prevent infection and help keep it looking great. While specific instructions vary from shop to shop, here are the basics.
★After getting your tattoo, take off the bandage as soon as you can get it home and in a clean atmosphere.
★Remember to wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water each time before touching your fresh tattoo.
★Wash the tattooed area with a non scented antibacterial soap. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Never rub, scratch, or be rough with a new tattoo.
★Let the area dry for 5 to 10 minutes. Then apply a very thin layer of Bacitracin, Aquaphor, or other TATTOO related ointment. A little goes a long way.
★Repeat the washing, drying, and moisturizing process no more than three times a day for four days. After the fourth day you can switch to a moisturizer. Keep your tattoo as moist as possible for the next five to six weeks.
Having CF and lacking the proper amount of sodium we dry out quickly so keep moisturizing at all times to make sure healing is done correctly.
★Call your doctor, not the tattoo artist if you notice redness or swelling after a few days, if you have a fever, or you discover a rash on or around the tattoo. Being a Cystic you want to make sure to get to your doctor just to be safe!
Keep in mind that yes, tattoos are painful, all the same, if you can handle a PICC line, central line, PORT, or blood draws every night in the hospital, you can handle a tattoo. Tattoos are something you want IVs are not so the pain is entirely different.
Do not get a tattoo if you truly do not desire one. It is up to you and only you as to how and what you do with your body! Not a doctor, parent (if you are older than 18), or friend can tell you what you can and cannot do. They can only advise you not to do things.
Please remember to think before you ink it is forever. Be responsible, smart, and use common sense!
★Remember, each Cystic is different we all respond differently to everything even pain. One person's story may not be the same as any other. Tattoos may not be your cup of tea and there is nothing wrong with that!
It's forever,
Sandi
Sandi
For more information about CF, hints, tips, or me being goofy like me on Facebook!
