Tanning Beds

[Debbie Rasberry]

I was just wondering, has anyone been turned down for tanning in a tanning bed because of you St. Judes valve? I was wanting to tan, but, wondered if it would hurt anything. Called my dr. and he said no. I knew this site would be a good place to ask. I know this question sounds silly, I just wanted to now....

 

[Ross]

What does tanning have to do with a valve? New one on me.

 

[Sherry]

Debbie,
I've been in one a few times since surgery with no ill effects. I'd be more concerned with skin cancer concerns than anything cardiac. That's why I don't do them anymore.

 

[Ross]

I wasn't trying to be a smart butt with my post, just now realized it sounded that way. I can't see any reason why you can't as far as the valve goes, now if your on Coumadin, I'm not real sure how it reacts, but I would think you'd be fine.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Since Sherry mentioned a valid point about cancer. Recently I watched a news clip featuring tanning beds. They are studying the effects, lifestyle and such of young woman with brest cancer. They mentioned the risks of radiation from the artificial light.

 

[Gemma]

Also some medications can cause skin discolouration when you are exposed to normal sunlight, so a tanning bed would probably be an even worse idea. I'm thinking specifically of amioderone, but suspect there are also others.

 

[Harpoon]

Certain medications (such as spironolactone, a diuretic) will make your skin much more sensitive to light and UV radiation (tanning booths) and that could be one contra-indication for a tanning session.

I'll spare you my personal opinion on tanning beds because if you're into doing that sort of thing, you'll just gloss over what I have to say....

Chances are the doctor was concerned about the unneccesary exposure to the UV rays that tanning booths generate. I've gotten a few "off" remarks about the tattoo I have on my right ankle, even a few from when I was at Cleveland Clinic. None of the doctors that have seen it have like it and they've all seem to have gone out of their way to let me know of their disapproval. It's a small little thing, a triskele, and it's the only one I have or will ever have (being on anti-coagulants now...) I don't get what the big deal is, except that for every tattoo shop that keeps a clinically sanitary shop, there's one that's NOT so clean...