Tattoos

[hyperlite]

Quick question: does anyone know if it is ok to get a Tattoo while on dialysis? Has anyone here gotten one while on dialysis (I don't mean during dialysis... ). I'm just wondering about transplant issues...and things like that.

[goofynina]

I do know when i mentioned getting one they told me it wasnt a good idea because of the heparin they give me, something about the blood thinning, i dont know i dont listen to them, lol,  that is why i always ask the members here
When i had my evaluation with the Transplant Center Director, whoever she was, she did ask me if i had tattoos and how long ago did i get them, didnt ask why, but i remember specifically cuz mom was there and i had to reveal how long i had them, lol..........Please, before you do ANYTHING,  check with your Neph, K.....  Good Luck

[Hephs-little-lady]

Heph was told definately no more tatoos. Something about blood poisoning and you being at a greater risk because the toxins don't get washed out so quick. That was here in England though, you may have different rules over there!

[angieskidney]

ok I know someone who does tat's and knowing what I know .. you could .. but any dialysis doc would be against it. Basically why push your luck is their point of view. But if you want one bad enough .. just research your tatoo guy to make sure he uses clean utensils and all that ... be smart and buyer beware!

[GuyIncognito]

I have two tattoos, which I got done before I was on Dialysis but I have had a touch up done on one recently, I never mentoined it to my doc but there were no side effects or unusual bleeding so I'd say as long as your not on blood thinners you should be Ok.

[onesicpup]

I would be more concerned with the cleanliness and knowledge of the tattoo artist in regards to infection.
I believe my docs were more concerned about hepatitis C. I am not on dialysis yet, but I did notice that over the stretch of time that I got my tats as my function decreased, the healing took longer and longer.

[Python]

My son was thinking about getting a tat - he's on dialysis.  Knowing him, he'll just go and get it done then tell everyone later.  Over here in the UK Tattoo Artists are strictly monitored.  I've got several and have never had a problem yet.  The Tattooist who did mine is very hygiene conscious and uses pre-packed sterile needles, scrubs up and wears latex gloves.  His office is spotlessly clean.

If you are going to get a Tat, always make sure you go to a reputable Tattoo Artist.

[redheadedangel]

huh? and mess up my body??? Maybe in my next life..when I am not such a whimp for pain...Sassy

[thom]

it's probably better that you don't. i have a lip piercing which i have to keep really clean because of risk of blood infections n whatever. i'd really like a tatoo though

[Hawkeye]

Unless you are on blood thinners there should be no problem, but you will still bleed some if you get one.  On of the most important things you want to watch out for is that your tattoo parlor of choice uses new needles for each person.  You do not want a place that just autoclaves there needles.  They claim it "cleans" them, but there is too much room for human error for my liking.  Gross comparison, but that's like someone saying I just scrubbed the toilet you can drink out of it if you like.  It could never be "cleaned" enough for me.

[mmmmdeedee]

I agree with most everyone else. Tatoos are great and I have two! I got them after transplant though. But yeah, the bleeding might be a problem. But it's not like the needle goes way in or anything.

Again, findingi someone that's clean and has a good conscience about that stuff. Then weigh the pros and cons for yourself. I love the body art. I say go for it if you are relatively healthy!

Well, except for the dialysis, kidney failure, and stuff!! 

[angieskidney]

On TV right now they are talking about the safety of getting a tattoo and the risk for infection! This made me think of this thread because right now they are saying how they are not regulated and that when health inspectors check them out, they honestly do NOT know what to look for in terms of infection prevention!

They check to see .. yup they use gloves! BUT!!!!!! They don't see that the tat techs tend to touch everything after they put the gloves on! They were saying this on this health show! It is very important to check the shop out first and watch them do a tat on someone (with permission of the customer getting the tat of course) and make mental notes in your head of the good and bad things with the company!

Hope that helps! 

Again, findingi someone that's clean and has a good conscience about that stuff. Then weigh the pros and cons for yourself. I love the body art. I say go for it if you are relatively healthy!

Ya  exactly!! 

[Joe Paul]

Unless you are on blood thinners there should be no problem, but you will still bleed some if you get one.  On of the most important things you want to watch out for is that your tattoo parlor of choice uses new needles for each person.  You do not want a place that just autoclaves there needles.  They claim it "cleans" them, but there is too much room for human error for my liking.  Gross comparison, but that's like someone saying I just scrubbed the toilet you can drink out of it if you like.  It could never be "cleaned" enough for me.

Wouldn't flushing a reusable kidney pose the same risks?

[angieskidney]

Unless you are on blood thinners there should be no problem, but you will still bleed some if you get one.  On of the most important things you want to watch out for is that your tattoo parlor of choice uses new needles for each person.  You do not want a place that just autoclaves there needles.  They claim it "cleans" them, but there is too much room for human error for my liking.  Gross comparison, but that's like someone saying I just scrubbed the toilet you can drink out of it if you like.  It could never be "cleaned" enough for me.

Wouldn't flushing a reusable kidney pose the same risks?

That thought had crossed my mind as well.

[Sluff]

I have many tattoos, never had a problem with infection although it is a risk. A professional artist will always use new needles right from the bag and he/she will open them in front of you. Also they will wear gloves and no matter what they touch other than you, they will put on new gloves immediately. I have not had any tattoos done since being on my medicines, but I am thinking seriously of getting 3 more.  I have my Dads portrait and his memorial on my Lower left leg, and I want to add my Mothers portrait next to his.

[angieskidney]

cool You should show us pics

[Rerun]

Please no.  No pictures.   

[Hawkeye]

Unless you are on blood thinners there should be no problem, but you will still bleed some if you get one.  On of the most important things you want to watch out for is that your tattoo parlor of choice uses new needles for each person.  You do not want a place that just autoclaves there needles.  They claim it "cleans" them, but there is too much room for human error for my liking.  Gross comparison, but that's like someone saying I just scrubbed the toilet you can drink out of it if you like.  It could never be "cleaned" enough for me.

Wouldn't flushing a reusable kidney pose the same risks?

Yes I agree completely.  There is too much room for human error in the "cleaning" process of dialyzers.  Reuse dialyzers should be tagged with the patients name so the same dial goes to that same patient for the life of that dial, so getting someone else's dial shouldn't be an issue.  Things do happen though, and most people won't own up to a mistake they just try to cover it up to save their butts.  When the dials are reused they use a very harsh and high level disinfectant to clean them.  The chemicals are so bad a gas mask has to be worn by the reuse tech so they can breath.  I believe this process to be better than just spinning or autoclaving all the blood out, but I would never allow a reuse dial to be used on me.

[Sluff]

cool You should show us pics

I may start a thread for tattoo pics, but I need to take some pictures first.

[angieskidney]

Unless you are on blood thinners there should be no problem, but you will still bleed some if you get one.  On of the most important things you want to watch out for is that your tattoo parlor of choice uses new needles for each person.  You do not want a place that just autoclaves there needles.  They claim it "cleans" them, but there is too much room for human error for my liking.  Gross comparison, but that's like someone saying I just scrubbed the toilet you can drink out of it if you like.  It could never be "cleaned" enough for me.

Wouldn't flushing a reusable kidney pose the same risks?

Yes I agree completely.  There is too much room for human error in the "cleaning" process of dialyzers.  Reuse dialyzers should be tagged with the patients name so the same dial goes to that same patient for the life of that dial, so getting someone else's dial shouldn't be an issue.  Things do happen though, and most people won't own up to a mistake they just try to cover it up to save their butts.  When the dials are reused they use a very harsh and high level disinfectant to clean them.  The chemicals are so bad a gas mask has to be worn by the reuse tech so they can breath.  I believe this process to be better than just spinning or autoclaving all the blood out, but I would never allow a reuse dial to be used on me.

I have replied to this but in this thread (relevant).