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Posted 9/30/2008 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
I was thinking about getting a fairly extensive tattoo on my back, has any crohnie out there had tattoos done? Does it affect them at all?
Posted 9/30/2008 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
I'd be worried if you are on an immunomodulator.
I've never had one done though so I'm not sure.
Posted 9/30/2008 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
I had one but it was 3 weeks after my resection and I was on no meds at all.....first one I have.

Posted 9/30/2008 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
so would getting a tat if u on immunosupressants be a bad idea? even if its small?
Posted 9/30/2008 5:33 AM (GMT 0)
I don't see it being an issue to get a tattoo if you have Crohns.  Just be sure any meds that you're on wont effect the healing process.  I talked to my GI about me wanting to get a tattoo and he told me to def wait until Im off pred, and that he would do some research about if being on Humira would effect that tattoo healing correctly.

Posted 9/30/2008 12:55 PM (GMT 0)
I have 2 tattoos and they healed just fine. I would check with your GI or even the pharmacist to get opinions. They should have a strong idea about your medications and healing.
Posted 9/30/2008 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmmm....I had to get the OK by both my GI and my Rheumy before getting it done.  I also had to be off the Immune supressing durgs (Pred, Immuran, 6MP, etc) for ONE year before they gave me the ok.  They were both afraid that my body wouldn't heal in the area that I would get the tatoo, plus the possible infection that you can get easier with immune suppressors.  Needless to say - they were both very cautious about it - neither said never, just wait (1) year.

I did wait a year and I got mine and it healed no problem.  Of course 5 months later I ended up flaring and am back on Entocort. 

Posted 9/30/2008 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
I have three tattoos, the first of which was done while I was on Imuran. None of them had any problems healing, and in fact, the script that covers my right bicep was virtually completely healed in about a week. I've never discussed it with any of my GIs before doing it, but I actually ended up seeing my GI at Wal-Mart right after I got my first one done. turn
Posted 9/30/2008 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
I think the points of concern are valid.... you might want to talk to your doc if you're on immuno-modulators or prednisone or something that might keep you from healing.

That being said - I have been tattooed while on Remicade alone and never suffered any ill consequences. I healed just dandy. And as soon as I'm off this stupid round of prednisone, I'm going back for more!
Posted 9/30/2008 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
its fine to get tattoo's. There is generally no infection - just keep putting the basatracin on and then the bag balm (or other lubricant). I didnt even use the bacatracin and barely kept mine lubricated and it healed just fine and never got infected or caused any other problems.
Posted 9/30/2008 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
I've been getting tattoos regularly since I was 20 y.o.  Never had a problem.  The last one I got was after my UC dx, and still no problems.  I'm not on any immunosuppressants though, and it never occured to me to worry about anything besides how sterile the tattoo parlor was.  Gives me something to think about before my next piece of artwork.
Posted 9/30/2008 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
I would be afraid of how our immune system would interpret the tattoo and whether or not it could set off a flare.
Posted 10/1/2008 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
I got my very first one last summer but I wasn't on any meds.  I don't think I would do it being on any type of meds.  I know I want to get another one but I'm on Methotrexate right now and too afraid so I'll probably have to wait until next year when I get off this hopefully.
Posted 10/1/2008 8:18 AM (GMT 0)
ive off to nyc in three weeks and its the same time as i finish my prednisone taper. Do you think it would be safe to get a tattoo then? its my first tattoo and i wanted to get it done in funcity while i am holidays
Posted 10/1/2008 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
i have 5 tattoos.

calf, shoulderblade, clavicle, stomach and wrist. no problems. :)
Posted 10/1/2008 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
If you are really concerned, check with your doctor first. He might be clueless about it, but at least you'll have a professional answer.
Posted 10/2/2008 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
I have two tattoos and never had any problems with the healing or going in a flare. I really never occured to me to even ask my GI. Good luck!
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