I have been wanting to get a tattoo for quite some time now and for the last two months I have been throwing the idea around, getting input from other people, and checking around to see where in the area I live would be the best place to get a tattoo. When I posted on Facebook that I was thinking about getting a tattoo, one of my friends, who writes about chronic illness (particularly MCS – Multiple Chemical Sensitivities), warned me that tattoos can be very toxic and that they are not as benign as most people believe them to be. She continued to warn me with this message:
The problem is that the ingredients are not regulated and do not have to be disclosed, so the tattoo artist probably doesn’t even know for sure what’s in there. Further, it’s really a hit and miss about whether or not you will have a reaction to the ink no matter how “good” the tattoo artist is. A “good” ink for one person might not be “good” for another.
I can’t believe the one thing I never considered to research was the chemicals that are used in tattooing. I know from experience that with illnesses like ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, MCS and other chronic disorders that we need to take into consideration everything that goes into our bodies, and everything that we use on our bodies. When my friend, Susie, was warning me about tattoos, she provided me a link to an article that she wanted me to read – The Truth About Tattoos: Health Risks, Toxicity and More. Regarding the ingredients that are used in tattooing:
A far cry from their tribal predecessors made with dyes from the natural environment, many of today’s tattoos contain an unknown conglomeration of metallic salts (oxides, sulphides, selenides), organic dyes or plastics suspended in a carrier solution for consistency of application.3 In the European Commission’s report on the health risks of tattooing, they note that close to 40% of organic colorants used in permanent tattoos in Europe are not even approved for use on the skin as a cosmetic ingredient and just under 20% of the colorants studied contained a carcinogenic aromatic amine. Many of the chemicals found were originally intended for use in writing and printer inks, as well as automobile paints. These inks are injected deep enough into the skin that often tattoos will not even be destroyed by severe burns.
Allergic reactions are also a possibility with tattooing and because many of us with ME/CFS & Fibromyalgia suffer from MCS as well, our risk of having a reaction is probably higher I would think. Something else I never took into consideration is how having a tattoo may prohibit someone from having an MRI due to the metal particles in the tattoo. I usually have to have a MRI at least once every couple of years or so for my back. What if it is a life and death situation and a MRI is needed and I can’t get one? I was thinking about getting the tattoo on my lower leg so I don’t know if other parts of your body can be put through the MRI machine as long as the area where the tattoo isn’t subjected to the machine. I will have to call the local hospital where I usually get my MRIs to see what their procedure is for dealing with tattoos.
Other risks that the article says need to be taken into consideration:
Skin infections, psoriasis, dermatitis and other chronic skin conditions, and tumors (both benign, and malignant) have all been associated with tattoos. Due to the use of needles in tattoo application, there is also the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as tetanus, herpes simplex virus, staph, HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, and even Syphilis.
I would think that the reputable tattoo shops are using only sterile equipment but these days you never know what can happen. The shop I was going to use if I went through with the tattoo is very reputable and has been featured on television and many times in our local newspaper. I am going to research a little further, ask the owner of the shop if they do a skin allergy test, and see if they will tell me what ingredients they use in their tattoos.
The pain from getting a tattoo is also something that has to be considered. I’ve been told by other Fibromyalgia patients that while it hurts, it helps distract from the everyday pain that we suffer from. I was also told that if you can handle the pain of living with Fibromyalgia on a daily basis, the temporary pain that a tattoo causes will be easier. Something else to think about is whether getting a tattoo will cause a flare of Fibromyalgia pain. I also wonder if any of the chemicals used in tattooing could cause a ME/CFS flare. All of these thoughts are running through my mind.
If you have any tattoos, & you also have ME/CFS and/or FM, did you:
- have any allergic reactions?
- have any problems with your skin healing around the tattooed area?
- have a flare of your illness immediately afterward or within the next few days?
- have trouble getting needed MRIs?
- mind the pain?
- get any type of infection?
* have any allergic reactions? No
* have any problems with your skin healing around the tattooed area? No
* have a flare of your illness immediately afterward or within the next few days? No
* have trouble getting needed MRIs? No
* mind the pain? It HURT! But then mine is around the ankle (all bone and Achilles tendon)
* get any type of infection? No
Hi, I’ve got 9 Tattoo’s, NEVER had any problems healing, colour staying,or pain during or after… Not until my last one… The last couple if year’s I’ve been having major pain and numbness in my lower legs and feet… They say its neuropathy but don’t know why…. My mom and Grandma had fibromyalgia, until this all started I didn’t Have any issue’s.,
I just got my latest, biggest,and most coloured, when he started it felt like acid hitting my skin… NEVER have I felt that… I went through with it….. I was so pleased it looked so nice…. After I washed it and let it dry then put sauce on…. It started burning and the ink started to come off like it was bubbling … it’s been red and swollen the whole time…. I’ve NEVER had any of these problems… Use the same brand of ink as the others… The ink is coming out and it’s gotten infected…. I’m on antibiotics and hope all goes well…. If there’s any body that knows for sure why this is happening please let me know….
I have 3 more waiting, and I pray I’ll be able to get them… If course I won’t if it means losing a limb and suffering….
I have many tattoos, some big, some small some writing most recently today a full half leg.
A few of mine I’ve had when I was well and some ive had whilst dealing with ME,
Currently going through a relapse but decided to brave it anyway. Yes it hurt an currently I do feel very drained and and abit battered but well worth it as my children designed mine and the memories I’ve created today will last forever. Worth it as some days I can’t do much.
Weigh up the pros and cons. We only live once. Just don’t worry to much as long as the tattooist you use uses sterile needles and you will know. GO FOR IT. you will hear horror stories about every aspects of everyday life.
Do it if you know you will benefit from the inking I.e you will love it
Hi I have fibro,extremely painful. Asked my doctor if it was safe to get a tattoo replayed yes why not? Well I’ve spoken to, 2 tattoo artist ,after a fiew as I had 3 that refused to tattoo me do to all the same things mentioned up above.so I think oil skip it
It’s a real drag,but I have enough to deal with. I enjoyed reading this post
Last thing make sure all yr needles are open lin front of you. BS peace all
Ok, here is the skinny. There has been a lot of misinformation about tattooing going around for years. The inks are self regulated and let me tell you something an artist knows what is in their ink. Pretty every ink on the market now adays is hyopoallergenic. People 20 years ago would get allergies to the ink (mostly red) due to the process that it was made in. Also every tattoo shop has to go through health inspection sometimes several times a year. They check every artists area the autoclave EVERYTHING. You go to a shop that has a health certificate on the wall and has been recomended by some one who has one of their tattoos you are getting a clean shop so get that out of your mind. I have three tattoos. A lotus bigger than a CD on the base of my back a small triple knot on my right hip and a HUGE piece that is currently being worked on on my rib cage.
Let me be clear, I have Fibro, IBS, Celiac Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis. While the the tattoo on my rib cage is no fun. It takes up from bra line down below hip line, I have not had ANY reaction to ink, or tattoos in general all of mine have healed just fine with no ill reaction. I will tell you that if you are on pain meds and can have someone drive you. I would take a dose of your meds and have someone drive you home. For a first tattoo becuase you have no idea the kind of pain you are going to have its better to be safer first. I can’t get MRI’s anyway due to a plate in my arm. Only poorly made prison tats have metal in them. There are experimental tattoo inks out there that I am letting other people get done and see what happens in a few years that may contain small amounts of gold and silver. You don’t need to worry about that. And honestly if you are that concerned. Get something very small in a place you can hide easily and wait it out.
I’m a firbromyalgia sufferer who has tattoos. It never occured to me that people might think that having a tattoo could affect their illness. It’s a totally new concept from me, and I was diagnosed with FM 20 years ago!
I’ve never had an allergic reaction to the colours used (like most products used on skin, I believe they are tested and hypoallergenic).
The skin around the area of the tattoo healed perfectly.
My Fibromyalgia was exactly the same after the tattoo as it was before. Any flare-ups can be firmly pinned down to other physical activities I was taking at the time, and were no worse than normal.
The idea that the metals in some colours are affected by MRIs is a completely disproved myth. I have heart trouble and have to undergo an MRI every year. I once mentioned it this to the staff once after I’d heard the theory – they almost laughed their socks off because they’d heard it so many times before and know it’s just a nice theory. They scan people all day every day.
The pain of having my was also much less than I expected. That’s right. Less. Because we’re used to FM pain day in, day out, the discomfort of a tattoo is relatively minor. Having said that, if it’s your first tattoo, go for a meatier area of the body. They do hurt more over bones where the flesh isn’t as thick.
And no infections either. Healed perfectly.
All in all, I’d have another tomorrow if I had the spare money!
Good luck
Ps Make sure you go to a registered and inspected tattoist.
Ok first off I don’t want whatever I write to deter you from getting a tattoo. Like the article your friend sent you it states that different people react to tattooing in different ways. All I know is that I do have FM/CFS, I also have 7 tattoos. Got the first one when I wsas 17 and I have been having pain long before I got it. But when I got my 5th one on my lower back the pain did get worse, but it would come and go so I never thought it was the tattoo. Until I got my 7th and now my last one, on the back of my neck. 3 days after getting it I couls not move my neck. But I have been able to have MRI’S, CT SCANS and x-rays. I asked my dr if it was a possibility if this pain was because of the tattoo, and he was not 100% sure but feels it may have contribute to the pain, see having FM the pain in my neck previously was very mild and would go out with a massage. Right now it is ever present to were I must sleep sitting up, and if you have a severe case of FM you know sleep is something we chase on a regular. Oh and were as my tatoos would heal quickly, the one on my neck took longer. Sorry I don’t have any facts ot statistics..I am just talk from my own experience. I hope this helps in your decision making.
Casa
I agree with Zoot totally. I found that tattooing felt kind of like acupuncture. It was actually relaxing and it didn’t add to any of my illnesses or problems.
The Mythbusters tested the myth about MRI’s and tattoos. And there was no reaction. Tattoo inks will not burn your skin in an MRI, nor will they be pulled out. Nothing will happen.
I’m 22yrs old & I have Fibromyalgia. I have 6 tattoos all of which I got from the time I was 19 & my most recent one the later part of last year. I’ve had absolutely no problems with any of them healing nor did I have any allergic reactions. I’m in constant pain as it is with my illness. If the pain worsened it was because of my participation in basketball, volleyball, & track at my college & had nothing to do with my tattoos. I haven’t had trouble getting MRIs. If you can handle the pain of Fibromyalgia you can definitely handle getting a tattoo. The amount of pain u feel depends on where exactly your tattoo if placed. anywhere on bone is going to hurt. I have a tattoo on each wrist, one on my left forearm, one my my back, & the back of my neck as well. the 1 that hurt the most is my neck because the tattoo is so close to my hairline. other than that, the parts of my wrist tattoos that are on the bone hurt. I go to a local shop that is always clean & uses new needles & ink for each tattoo. I’ve been tattooed by 2 artists. 1 did my 1st tattoo & the other has done the rest. Make sure the artist know what parts of your body cause the most pain & they may be able to help with the placement of your tattoo so its not on a pressure point to try & reduce the amount of pain you’ll feel.
I hope this is helpful
I have fibromyalgia, celiac disease, cfs, and lupus. With that said, I have a full sleeve on my left arm, a large one on my right, a large back peice, one on my ankle, one on my chest. I never had problems healing, no problems with mri’s or epidurals. Pain- its a tattoo, you dont get get them for comfort. That will solely depend on you and your pain thresh hold. No allergic reactions.
The funny thing about advice from friends is its usually bad advice if they have no tattoo’s.
If you want a tattoo get one, but find a great artist that knows what they are doing, and a shop that is clean. (check this out throughly)
I do want to say that not all states are regulated by the health department. Some are not, you need to check your state. Some shops pay to be inspected if its not a regulated state. This is why the red cross will not allow certain people to donate from certain states within 2 years of getting a tattoo.
Okay,
Soooo, I AM A TATTOO ARTIST WITH FIBRO!!!
I have to be honest that most of the time nobody really knows what is in their inks but from what I’ve used and what has circulated between tattoo artists there ARE brands of ink that are much safer than others. “Mom’s” tattoo ink brand and “Intenze” brand inks are the two companies that I swear by. They don’t say exactly what is in them but I know that they have much more natural ingredients that come from the earth. If you are worried about it anyway since it still is not a definite as to what is in them, I suggest just getting black and grey work done and make sure it is done with Kuro Sumi ink…It is imported from Japan and the purest ingredients you can possibly find. Infact, all of their inks are pretty fabulous most artists don’t buy it though because it is considerably more expensive than other inks. I suggest calling tattoo shops in your area and asking what brand of inks they use.
I hope this was helpful!
Oh! One more thing! Red is the most common color that people react to allergically.
If anyone has any questions about anything email me at tattoosbyilana@yahoo.com
I really don’t mind! Infact, I would love to help others find correct info…There is a ton of stuff on the internet written by random people who think that tattooing out of their basement with dirty needles qualifies them to give others INCORRECT advice.
Thanks for your comment, Ilana! I actually did get a tattoo about a month ago and I love it. It is a portrait of my son when he was a year old. I just had black and gray – no color. I am someone who has allergic reactions to red dyes so I know what you’re talking about there.
I am 31 and was diagnosed in my mid 20’s with FMS. I had a tattoo done on my shoulder, the only problem I had as a result was with my back, because you have to sit so still, for me 1 1/2 hours, my back locked up and hurt for a couple of weeks, there were no issues with the tattoo itself, once finished I had no further pain at the site. I am even wanting to go back for more.
I’ve had no reactions or healing problems. To echo some of problems that others have experienced. I have FM and I can say that prior to all of the accidents that led to the FM I was able to get tattoos with localized pain to the area. Once I developed FM I got one on my shoulder blade (back) that caused shooting pains down my arm. So beside the tattoo pain it was incredible painful and whenever she wasn’t tattooing the pain down my arm would subside but when she would start again the pain would immediately come back. I want to get another tattoo but I’m too concerned with having nerve pain in another part of my body since that was more painful than the tattoo. If you get one I would start small and in a place with less nerve endings. I wouldn’t assume that you won’t have pain like some have said.
I had a tattoo done on my upper bottox, lower back a few days ago. I have to say that my pain was extremely intense while the outline was being done. The shading was much easier for me to handle. I was in so much pain my feet were sweating and I was shaking by the time I got off the table. It was the worse pain I have had since giving birth to my first child. When I asked one of the tattoo artist who’s been doing tattoos for over 25 years how bad it would hurt she said, ” It hurts like hell. Just breath like you did during childbirth”. It has been two nights since I got my tattoo and I am totally worn out from it. I love my tattoo though. Just glad it’s over… It is healing up nicely and I don’t forsee any issues with the healing process. If you are going to get one I suggest a very small one to start off with to see how the pain will effect you.
I just got a tatto on my arm and my fm had flared up in my hands arm and fingers is this normal I have tattoos before my diagnoses and never a problem but this one the joints and muscles in my arm hand and finget ache
Im Removed my indian ink tattoos it dosent help ease the Fibromyalgia pain,
I got a tattoo today (ankle area). I was diagnosed with fibro 3 years ago and have an allergy to any chemical compound with iodine in it. If you’re at all concerned about allergies you can ask the artist to do a spot test. Basically, they put ink on your arm and leave it there for 24hrs. It’s not fool-proof, but it can give you a good idea if your going to be allergic to something. Better to test it on the skin then find out after its permanent.
Getting the tattoo was not overly painful. It was my first, and it felt more like a really bad scrap then anything. However, I did have a more extreme fibro flare up in my knee area(on the side with the tattoo)and back then I’d had in awhile. It hurts, but not horribly so, and the process can take alot out of you so I recommend resting afterwards.
As for health concerns…tattoo parlors are required to pass health inspections regularly. Actually, I went in on the day the health inspector was supposed to come in to the parlor I went to…Just like with piercings, you should ask to see a copy of the health inspection certification. You should also look around and see if the parlor looks clean, and try to go to a parlor with a good reputation. IF you have questions about sanitation practices as a parlor, you should also ask. It is better to know then not.
My husband is a tattoo artist. I have fibro. As for the inks the shop he works at research the inks and only use the ones that they know are safe. I also have frequent MRI’s. The standard for an MRI is no fresh ink, has to be at least 6 weeks. This is due to some of the pigments having metal and also the chance of tiny particles being left from the needle. It is just a safety precaution. They don’t know what type of precautions the shop you went to uses. I usually fall asleep during tattoo’s. I find them very relaxing. When I have work done on my neck and back it is like getting acupuncture. My muscle’s feel better for a few weeks. I do heal slower, and I have tried the tat ointments. Those I had a reaction to, but never to the tattoo’s themselves. For me it is best to just let the tat’s go dry, using very little lotion on them. But that is between you and your artist. I’m lucky I’m married to mine.
i would like to add that i also am a FM sufferer as well as IBS and RSD. i have many medical issues and have approximately 20 tattoos as well as a sleeve. i have never had a reaction to any color ink. And i am allergic to everything from dairy to incense to cats to mold. all instrumenrs are either autoclaved ir disposable. inks are regulated. go to a reputable shop and artist. its the only thing im abke to do anymore that gives me pleasure. go ahead. you only live once. you’ll be glad you did 😉
I am in my 5th year with Fibro. I had a large piece done on my neck a year in and I got the next piece just a year ago. Now I am in the process of an entire back mural. All my art is native American and very spiritual. The sensitivity in the nerve endings in my skin has definitely increased. I take neurontin which helps but as you all know we have “good” and “bad” days. I never go on my bad days anymore. It only took once to learn that lesson. While the artist was sketching the next portion, the pen felt like a razor. I was only able to take a 2 hour session that time and before it was over I about had my artist in tears. It does help to be well res tree d and maybe take an ibuprofen or muscle relaxer prior. And like always, just take good care of yourself.
hey, i just recently got my first tattoo after being diagnosed with fm & mcs (i have maybe 8 from before the diagnosis). it looks to be healing fine & i didn’t have a reaction to the ink, HOWEVER the balm they typically use had lavendar and chammomile oils in it. thankfully, their consent form mentioned this and so they used an unscented balm on me. i also had a reaction to the bandage they used; it looked like saran wrap and is used to help heal burns. the bandage smelled very plasticy and noxious to me, and when i took it off, i had a rash where the banadge had been. thankfully, the artist had rubbed a salve over the tattooed skin so the bandage wouldn’t stick there, so the tattooed skin wasn’t affected, just the skin around it.
all of this to say, folks with mcs will want to ask lots of questions about all of the products aside from ink that are used in tattooing. it might even be worth doing a sniff test with any balms or bandages used.
my issue now is that the fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lotion i always use as aftercare (glaxal-base) has a chemical smell to it that i’d never noticed pre-mcs. i’ll probably continue using it because i’m not sure what else to do & this does seem like the least harmful option, but damn. mcs just don’t quit.
anyway, there’s a lot of tattoo nonsense out there, so i was really happy to come across a convo between real folks with tattoos & fm/mcs/etc! thanks y’all <3
I have uc, chronic migraines and vertigo. I live in fear of anything triggering or worsening my symptoms. I’m aLos an artist and love love love tattoos and want many but fear has stopped me. I design them and never get them. Could getting tattoos affect my internal health, immune or nervous system? I have a large piece I want so badly.
Hi, I too have UC, I have a tonne of tattoo’s, most of which I got after first being diagnosed with endometriosis 7 years ago. I’ve never had any issues with any tattoo worsening any of my conditions (I also have fibro, allergies and eczema), all I would advise you is to be well rested and if you work, book a week off afterwards to heal, a tattoo is an open wound and naturally your immune system will step into action in order to heal it which can take its toll on your energy levels when you’re autoimmune, and be extra safe diet wise to ensure you have no UC issues and you will be fine. Honestly tattoo’s are far less scary than advertised, I feel the media amps up the risk aspect to scare people into making the right choices around choosing a reputable artist and following strict aftercare and hygiene practises to be honest, the really scary instances you hear about are one in a million, you’d be more likely to win the lottery even with an autoimmune disorder! Plus the really scary cases end up costing governments and insurance companies a lot of money repairing the damage and paying out on lawsuits, then factor in that scaring the public into only using reputable artists (as they should) forces artists to be reputable and take out insurance, increases revenue, it’s no wonder the horror stories are so easy to find! Please, get a tattoo, if you haven’t already, it will be worth it and it feels like you’re reclaiming your body!
I have over a dozen tattoos, most taking several sessions. Here are my answers, with some explanation.
– have any allergic reactions? Sort of. During flares, my tattoos will raise up where they are lined heavily. This is a histamine reaction. It is nothing to worry about, nor do they bother me in any way. I have not ever had a reaction to the inks in relation to the act of tattooing or healing, though. Some body washes perpetuate this response. It’s more likely that my reaction is to the external irritant than the tattoo. When this occurs, I simply apply a cortisone lotion and it subsides.
– have any problems with your skin healing around the tattooed area? Not at all.
– have a flare of your illness immediately afterward or within the next few days? Yes, generally starting after the session. This is due to the adrenaline rush and physical stress of sitting for hours in a less than ideal position in a not so comfortable chair. It takes me a few days to recover fully, but OTC pain meds, fluids, and rest do the trick.
– have trouble getting needed MRIs? Never. Tattoos do not interfere with MRIs.
– mind the pain? It is no worse than without FMS. In fact, I find it oddly therapeutic. However, sitting for an extended period of time can be taxing on the body. Talk to your artist about needing to get up to stretch often and drink lots of water before, during, and after the session. Take some Tylenol before, too. (Stay way from NSAIDS as they can increase bleeding during the session and slow healing.)
– get any type of infection? I’ve never had an infection. Go to a reputable, certified artists and follow good hygiene practices, particularly those prescribed by the tattooist. The worst thing I’ve had happen is getting red marks from the tape they use to hold the bandage down. But, the bandages are more to protect clothing and furniture than to help heal, so talk to your tattooist if you think it’ll be problematic and discuss alternatives. I usually wear old clothing and bring a clean towel from home to protect my vehicle upholstery.
Overall, the tattoo process is no different for me than others who are FMS-free. Each person responds differently to the process and healing. Be aware and considerate of your body and listen to it! If you are thinking of your first tattoo and have FMS, or any chronic pain – for that matter, start with a short session. See how you tolerate the demands on the body positioning, the tattoo machine’s vibration and needling, and the healing. Prior to my first major flare up and ultimate diagnosis, I was able to sit for six hours or more per session. Now, I restrict them to less than three. I’m just not able to endure the physical stress. I won’t ever give it up completely, though. It’s just too satisfying.
My question is should there be certain medicine that should not be taken within a time frame of getting the tattoo? Please and thank you on any advice..
I have fibromyalgia. My first tattoo didn’t take. It was inflamed and painful for 2 weeks and the ink was rejected. I just had a cover up. Although getting it done had the usual discomfort, it was on the third day afterwards that I felt hyper sensitive. As if I had a fresh burn on my nerve endings. I found that ibuprofen REALLY helped with that. I have been using Organic Coconut Oil on the tattoo and it’s very soothing. It’s also very healing due to it’s antibiotic properties. I highly recommend the coconut oil to all who have issues with fibromyalgia since our pain sensitivity is in hyper mode as it is.
I’m 27 diagnosed with FM and Sjögren’s syndrome in 2014. I have had the pain and fatigue since age 17 . When I was 19 I had a large piece done on my back and the only thing that really sucked was being completely exhausted after and not being able to use my arm for about 3 days while I recovered . Mind you , I did a full piece with color and shading in one sitting . Something I will never do again! I’m looking into getting my sleeve started with dot work . I plan to just get black ink . I can agree that my skin used to get inflamed and lifted a little bit where the red ink is . I have purple in a different piece and I’ve never experienced any raised skin from it . Only the red . The most you will probably have to deal with is the pain that comes from recovery . I never let me tats dry out , I always had them lathered in A and D ointment. They did scab up but this made the healing easier and didn’t pull the skin . Everyone has their own best way on how they heal but that worked for me . I have had numerous MRI’s and one never had a problem . I would definitely take other commenters advice on vetting the artists and finding out what inks they use just to be safe . Good luck !
I’ve had fibromyalgia since I was 25, I’m now 47. Over the years pain has increased, limitations have increased as well. I got my first tattoo at age 35. I didn’t have any issues at all. Healing was good, mild pain, no infections,… I got my most recent tattoos in 2015, two of them. The first one no problems at all, 2nd one no problems with healing, no infection, but the pain level was very high. My tattoos are for my kids, my son in heaven and my brother in heaven. My emotional pain from those losses were far greater then th the process. I do plan on getting 2 more this year and another next. Gentle hugs to everyone.
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia two years ago and I just got a tattoo from my ribs to my stomach. The first session went well. A month later I went for my second session for the shading and it was no biggie until later that night the burning sensation was horrible and I couldn’t figure out why it was burning so bad. I have five tattoos and the pain has never been so bad. I tried lidocaine rub, antibiotic cream, A&D and nothing was helping!! I knew the area I got the tatto was a pretty rough area so I figured it was just that, but then two weeks later the burning pain was almost unbearable! I started to notice that a few inches around my tattoo was really tender and burning also. One night my son was playing around and slapped me on the hip nowhere near the tattoo and I was immediately in intense pain like someone was holding an open flame to my skin and it dawned on me that I was having a fybro flare up. Why didn’t I think of this before?? Well usually when I have a flare up its my legs or arms never my hip. I’m assuming that the tattooing aggravated the nerves and caused a flare up. Hopefully the pain doesn’t last much longer three weeks later and I can barely wear leggings.
I have Fibromyalgia, IBS, Hidradenitis Supporativa and 14 tattoos. As for the pain while getting the tattoo besides the one on the middle of my back I never really felt anything more than a little discomfort in fact it actually was distracting from my everyday pain. The healing process wasn’t anything crazy I only had an issue with two areas and the issues were minor and later I was able to attribute that to a nickel allergy that I had and was not aware of. As far as having any flares immediately after getting any of my tattoos I can say with a resounding no there were not. Also most reputable tattoo shops and artists are very knowledgeable about what is in their ink and how it might affect their clients if you have any questions you should always ask ahead of time and not the day that it’s your turn to sit in the chair. That will give them ample time to find any information that they may not already know. No infections from any of my tattoos no prolonged pain or healing process in fact I would say that personally I love every single one of my tattoos they all mean something to me and I had no problems from them resulting from any of my other issues one of which is a serious autoimmune disease that affects the skin. The last tattoo I had done was about eight months ago I had no issues with that and I plan to get more in the future. I’ve never had any issues getting MRIs CT scans or x-rays and like I said before if you can take the daily pain that we deal with attached it was nothing compared to it. Just speaking from my own personal experience and hoping that it may help others come to a better-informed decision.
I have Fibro, IBS, Migraines, and a few other wonderful conditions. I also currently have 15 tats and in the process of getting more. My husband is a tattoo artist so most of my work has been done by him.
have any allergic reactions? Nope
have any problems with your skin healing around the tattooed area? No problems at all
have a flare of your illness immediately afterward or within the next few days? Yes but I feel as if this is a given when you have fibro. Getting a tat is an open wound which is a traumatic event of course
have trouble getting needed MRIs? Nope, no problems at all. Have more issues getting them with piercings,…lol the time it takes to remove the jewelry
mind the pain? Wasn’t the worst pain in the world..
get any type of infection? No.
Pain is subjective
Use common sense when getting tats. Check to make sure the shop is licensed and of course clean.
Of course having fibro made the process of healing longer and not as much fun as not having fibro but don’t let it stop you from getting ink!
Some things I have learned from having fibro and getting tats-
– Break the time up! Like go for the outlines or all the black work and come back for color once that is healed
– Drink plenty of fluids! Water is your friend!
– Healing might take time but its worth the wait!
– Don’t ever let fibro stop you from getting the work you truly want.
Good artists will work with the client no matter how many odd requests they have (breaks, coming back to do different colors, etc) If they want to rush you into anything turn the other way and run!
about pain levels- consider the placement of your tat when you think about how bad it might or did hurt. Of course having Fibro makes stuff hurt worse to some (me included) but also getting ink put on your collarbone hurts in general no matter who you are…..
I have used OTC “pain pills”, lidocaine numbing creams (don’t reccomend it at ALL due to what it can do to your skin.), normal pain meds by script, and anxiety pills.
The OTC pills didn’t do anything when it came to killing the pain (nor would I expect them to considering what I take daily for Chronic Pain),
Numbing creams can make the skin more difficult to take ink, it can mess with the healing process of your tat…so after using it on one small tat I will NEVER use it again. My normal pain pills took the edge off …didn’t kill the pain either but did make it doable..and anxiety pills helped my nerves.
No one should ever shame someone for doing what they have to do to physically handle getting a tat!
Oh, I almost forgot..getting work done has sent me into migraines a few times due to the lighting being on me for extended hours and the sounds from the machine. Nothing unbearable just something to take note of. For my next tat with my hubby I plan on wearing ear buds and listening to music 🙂
I have several tattoos and have had several MRI’s not once was it an issue!
I have fibro finally diagnosed 2019 after 40 years of suffering. Had my tattoo two weeks ago with no issues ………. but the slow burning pain during the procedure which continued for about one hour was so stressful that i am finding it difficult to walk. My flare is quite bad.