lupus and tattoos

[sbarbie]

Hi everyone

I'm new to this site I have a question and I really hope you guys can answer truthful no matter whatit is. I have asked so many people and so far no one knows!

I have had lupus now for 10yrs but have been a single mom for 13yrs and I promised my girls that when they turn 18 we would all get a tattoo, it a symbol that represents the 3 of us. Well they got thiers when I went to get mine my dr told me no way should I do this because I could get Hepatitis not from dirty needles but from the ink, pigment and basicly it will kill me.

lupus weakens my immune system and right now I doing great so if I was to do this now would be a very good time. however I dont want to do anything thats going to harm me. I do really want this and i made a promise to my girls and myself and I need to know if this is the 1st and only promise that I cant keep?

help please!
sbarbie

[unforgiven]

hi and welcome to the forum. STARmedic is likely the most knowledgable on what you need to know and i'm sure he will try to help you out.

[ink_freak]

im not the dr so im not sure what he knows that i dont,but as far as the hep thing yes you can catch it,we all can but the chances are pretty slim if the tattooist knows what he is doing and uses new sterile needles,as far as the ink,as long as he is care ful and uses new ink then you should be fine. i would find out first if that is the only reason why he doesnt approve,and regardless i would go with what he tells you or get a 2nd opinion but do research on the lupus AND the artist before you do anything.

[voodoo]

Check with your doc first!
My mom had lupas,but she never asked for a tattoo...

[STARMedic]

Which type of Lupus were you diagnosed with? The whole MD response to body art and transmission of Hep is pretty much a pre programmed one from days gone by....Kinda like I wont buy you a BB Gun cause you will shoot your eye out....

IF the only question is the transmission of pathogen/disease thru ink and needles.....well all you gotta do is find a good artist.....needles are no longer reused, nor is ink.....

Bruce