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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/27/2009 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
I am 22, I have one tattoo but I want to get more. I don't know if it's a good idea at the moment though as this disease and the meds we take can lower our immune systems. I wanted to know if anyone has gotten a tat while in a mild flare on imuran or some similar combination. I am not on pred right now and wouldn't get one if I had to go back on it. Does anyone have any suggestions? I know I know, ask the Doc, but I somehow doubt that any of them would say I could go and get one out of purely not liking tattoos :P
Posted 7/27/2009 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
I have had all my tattoos while in some kind of flare and i have been absolutely fine, and it has healed up with no problems what so ever.

I have not been on Imuran while having my tattoos, but have been using Asacol on and off.
Posted 7/27/2009 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi...I think for some of us, it's hit and miss regarding colours, how much trauma the skin handles and how much of a reaction our body has.

I have a few tattoos....black only .... and on my back it raises if I'm stressed out or hot or maybe from something else...but I find if I don't overreact mentally, it's better. Something that only started last year, but it appears I'm not in the category alone...it happens to many others apparently.
I don't like it however....

sigh....

We all risk something, and there are no guarantees regarding how your body will react. But, I didn't start getting them till I was 50...being younger is probably better.

q
Posted 7/27/2009 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Well that's good. I was just worried I might risk a blood infection or something. But if a mild skin reaction is all I need to worry about then that's just awesome. Now I just need to save up my money lol. My planned ones are all black and white anyways
Posted 7/27/2009 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi....I was told my my tattooist that some people have unbelievably sensitive skin, and I'm in that category. I do have to go back for a touch-up on my newest one on my leg, but frustratingly, that one took much longer to heal.

I have to accept I'm done with tattoos....probably a good thing. But I don't work in a field where any people will discriminate against me for having them...so that's a good thing.

Of course, the other thing regarding tattoos...just imagine how they'll be when you get old...and my response is..who says I'll get old?

I have remembrances for each of them and it's nice to put my internal thoughts outward....they don't agree with everyone's taste, but that's OK.

One thing I am concerned about is that I've gotten more since my last liver MRI...since I do have UC-related liver disease, I don't know how they will be affected by my next MRI. I guess I don't need one unless I have problems...so won't worry about it till then,

q
Posted 7/27/2009 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
     On 150 mgm of 6MP?  I am taking 100 mgm and I wouldn't risk getting a skin infection on something like a tattoo...why push your luck?   There are enough germs circulating around we are trying to avoid.
Posted 7/27/2009 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
A skin infection could very well happen with even the greatest of care.....that's probably the best point considering you're on 6MP...

maybe wait for a while....rather inconsiderate of me to not even state that point....thanks Christine!!!!


q
Posted 7/27/2009 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't worry about it- I am heavily tattooed, & have gotten many tats while on high doses of Imuran. No problem whatsoever. The chance of getting a skin infection from a tattoo is basically zero- if you go to a reputable artist, there's really isn't any open wound, so to speak. The healing time wasn't delayed at all, the healing process was just like usual, no weird fevers, etc. My only tattoo & UC related concern is if I ever need surgery, some of my tattoos will be cut out due to the ileostomy! bummer.... truly, that's one of the reasons I've backed out of surgery in the past- I have pretty bluebirds on my tummy/groin, & don't want to lose one!
Posted 7/28/2009 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
I would not worry about infection just pick a good artist who takes good care of hygiene.
But I would worry about the time it may take the tattoo to grow.
So you would have to take extra care of it for longer time.

Since sores on auto immune people tend to take longer time healing.

Good luck

You could mention this to your doc they are not all against Tattoo's and could give you good advise.
Posted 7/28/2009 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah. My tats all (will) have meaning for me. It isn't just a stupid risk. So long as it looks like I will have no serious problems I can handle it. I've been on Imuran for almost a year now with no problems so this should be ok I was just looking for clarification.

Thanks all
Posted 7/28/2009 9:04 AM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't worry about it, like is said above ensure that you go to an extremely sterile artist, that they clean the area very well including alcohol to make sure that there isn't any nasties left on the skin, the needles should be in sealed packages and let them know that you want to see them opened to ensure that they are still sterile, and follow all directions on the care. A great salve to put on it is B-H jelly, its in the baby section in the stores ( just in case you have never bought it before), keep it clean and lubed. But all of these are standard care after the tat. Mainly just be very careful who you go to, ensure that it is someone who has been doing it for a long time. The tats that raise are usually caused by the artist going to deep into the skin. It's very hard not to go in too deep and try to balance that machine. My brother is a tattoo artist and he has done three of mine while I was on all kinds of medication and nothing to worry about. He let me color in one of his tats, he did the outline and I colored it in. Very dificult and I went in too deep so it will raise every once in a while. It's funny, you can see the part he did, which is perfect, and the section that I did, not so perfect and will raise. But it was fun practicing and if he is willing to let me practice on him, well what the heck, right? LOL

Good luck with the tat, I hope it turns out exactly as you hoped. Yes, they can be VERY expensive but its worth it to have it done right.
Posted 7/28/2009 10:16 AM (GMT 0)
go for it...just make sure you dont let your 10 yr old little brother do the tatoo.
seriously, no big deal. if the artist is clean and wearing gloves & the needles and ink are sterile you will not get an infection.
i worked in a hospital while on many immuno suppressive drugs, as you can imagine hospitals are covered with germs. never got any sort of infection. its all about good hygiene as stated in previous post.

Please alter to your signature to 10 lines or less.  Thank you!

Post Edited By Moderator (Red_34) : 7/28/2009 6:51:48 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/28/2009 12:14 PM (GMT 0)
if your in a first world country the tattoo studio will be clean and sterile. its the law and all tattooists (which is a LOT) that i know are super clean and hygenic. i cant believe it was even mentioned to go 'somewhere clean'.

and boo to the person who said "I wouldn't risk getting a skin infection on something like a tattoo."

bs, bs and more bs. tattoos can be very personal and saying something like that is just offensive. dont risk getting a skin infection, no. but dont have to add that little dig just cuz u dont like tattoos.

if you want one, you get one. ive had tatts on meds and have been fine with no issues at all.

and the risk of a skin infection might be possible if your in a third world country in a dodgy tatt parlor or in a back alley. all tatt studios HAVE to be super hygenic and all needles are opened right there and used only once.

i would love to see a pic of ur tatt when u get it. i love tatts. i design them and have a whole heap on one of my websites.
good luck and let us know how it goes!
Posted 7/28/2009 12:34 PM (GMT 0)
     Didn't mean to offend anyone who wishes to get tattoos.  Both my daughters have them...ages 37 and 32.  Guess I am old school...glad my mother isn't here to rag on me about my daughters...lol.  She wouldn't say a word to THEM...oh no...she would say to me.." how the heck did you raise them...letting them get their bodies all marked up."  In her day...and in mine....the guys got the tattoos and girls got their ears pierced...role reversals I suppose.
Posted 7/28/2009 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
I have a half sleeve on my left arm and both my calves done and the front of my shin done and my colitis has never really been under control that great but I healed just fine. However I have never been on Immuran. But I'm sure you will be fine.
Posted 7/28/2009 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
I have had UC for 4 years and was on Remicade ( which also severely depletes your immune system) for 3 years. During the last 2 and a half years I got 9 tattoos done while mildly flaring and on the Remicade. There was no skin reaction at all. They just took a little longer to heal than normal. If you take care of your new tattoo it will turn out great. Good luck.
Posted 8/2/2009 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
Ok I get you need a clean place and an artist you trust!  But does Asacol effect the color and such.  Isn't it a antibiotic for the intestine?  Went to a shop and they turned me away!!!  Also wasn't thrill about the condition of the place so it was probably a good thing!  But heading out west to see a girl friend and she knows of a great place and want to get a tattoo.  A special one my huisband and I designed together!  Help!!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

34-yrs old

colitris/deberticulitus--since 2005

Posted 8/2/2009 9:28 PM (GMT 0)

kazygirl said...
if your in a first world country the tattoo studio will be clean and sterile. its the law and all tattooists (which is a LOT) that i know are super clean and hygenic. i cant believe it was even mentioned to go 'somewhere clean'.

and boo to the person who said "I wouldn't risk getting a skin infection on something like a tattoo."

bs, bs and more bs. tattoos can be very personal and saying something like that is just offensive. dont risk getting a skin infection, no. but dont have to add that little dig just cuz u dont like tattoos.

if you want one, you get one. ive had tatts on meds and have been fine with no issues at all.

and the risk of a skin infection might be possible if your in a third world country in a dodgy tatt parlor or in a back alley. all tatt studios HAVE to be super hygenic and all needles are opened right there and used only once.

i would love to see a pic of ur tatt when u get it. i love tatts. i design them and have a whole heap on one of my websites.
good luck and let us know how it goes!

Actually a lot of places don't have hygiene regulations for tattoo shops. People assume that they do and can get into trouble because of that. Just because it's a shop doesn't mean the stuff is clean and sterile. You do need to make sure to go to a clean place. A reputable place will usually talk to you about this stuff and show you the unopened needles even without being asked.

I have 13 tattoos but haven't had any since being on medication
Posted 8/3/2009 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
I want one as well but am in remission and was more worried about my body treating the ink as an invader and starting to flare. Tattoos do cause an immune response as the toxins are flushed out of your body. An over-active immune system can cause the ink not to set and more to be flushed out than desired causing a faded looking tattoo. Anyone have that problem?
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