Tattoos

[imhayley]

I dont know if this is the proper forum for my question but here goes. Tattoos and coumadin. Can you still get them while on coumadin. (even little ones?) Thank You and hope all is well with you

 

[Praline]

Coumadin..

Coumadin..

may not cause a problem if you were to get a tattoo BUT how about having a mechanical valve? That is the part that would worry me.

 

[imhayley]

um...a bit confused

um...a bit confused

may not cause a problem if you were to get a tattoo BUT how about having a mechanical valve? That is the part that would worry me.

Hi praline!! A tattoo would effect my valve? See I know very little so the more info on this the better. Have a great day too Praline and thanks for the info

 

[Emma]

I think its the risk of endocarditis or other infections from the tattoo that would put you in danger rather than the coumadin. I don't think many people with mechanical valves would get a tattoo with the infection risks, but I'm sure there will be some on here with them that will advise you better.
Love Emma
xxx

 

[Ross]

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14472&highlight=tatoos

 

[imhayley]

duh!!!

duh!!!

I think its the risk of endocarditis or other infections from the tattoo that would put you in danger rather than the coumadin. I don't think many people with mechanical valves would get a tattoo with the infection risks, but I'm sure there will be some on here with them that will advise you better.
Love Emma
xxx

I love you guys...I need you too!!!! I didnt even think of this. As you can probably tell I'm trying to get answers because a certain someone (wink) is thinking of adding to her collection. Thanks again for the very good and very wise info. Please give lil miss Chloe a hug for me too!

 

[imhayley]

your the best!!!

your the best!!!

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14472&highlight=tatoos

Searched the site for this link.....Thanks a bunch and of course this was not the answer I was looking for (the N-O answer) but I think I knew that before I asked it. Thinking of you Ross!!!

 

[Ross]

Personally, I would not do it, but I guess it's time to say that it depends on how much of a risk your willing to take. Actually, I'm against tattooing altogether, but that's me.

 

[Karlynn]

I've wondered what tattoo artist, if they knew about Coumadin, would agree to do it. I would think they'd not want to risk their livelyhood. Tattoos do bleed when being done, so I'm guessing you'd bleed a lot more. If someone goes ahead with it anyway, I would strongly recommend being on an antibiotic during, and as it heals.

 

[geebee]

I am going to play devil's advocate here and say you could probably get a small tattoo if you planned it properly. I would think the risk from infection would not be any greater than from a bleeding dental procedure or the like. The difference is a dental procedure (or colonoscopy or the like) is that a tattoo is not medically necessary.

I had the second set of holes in my ears done after my first OHS. Didn't even think about it being an issue. I got chewed out by my cardio because I didn't take antibiotics not that I got my ears pierced. I do realize that ears bleed less than the skin surface but they still bleed and holes are holes. I would think the same thing would have happened with a tattoo. Boy were my ears purple for some time.

Hayley, if you really want a SMALL tattoo (I am sure the bigger the more risks) make sure you have a reputable artist, be open about the coumadin and make sure you get antibiotics. Realize you are taking somewhat of a risk and go from there.

 

[imhayley]

decisions decisions

decisions decisions

Well I guess I will think it over good before I decide. I went on vacation to Bora Bora years back and got authentic tahitian tribal tattoos on two of my fingers. Well we go back in November and I wanted to add another as I highly doubt I will be getting back that way any time soon. They are very personal to me and in fact I have stayed in touch with the Tahitian guy who did them for me. I asked him about giving me more tattoos and about the coumadin and he said to ask the Doc. It's really no big deal it's just that not everyone gets their tattoos done by a 7th generation tattoo artist in French Polynesia. Thanks for all your input !!!

 

[Blanche]

To answer Karlyn's question, my best friend's son-in-law is a tattoo artist. He tells me that he will not perform his services on anyone with anticoagulation concerns for several reasons. He is worried about the problems with bleeding, concerns for infection which can happen in even the most sterile conditions, and finally the affect that it will have on the way that the skin will accept the tattoo. Apparently, tattoos done on some people under anticoagulation have blurred or smeared. That's the opinion from one who makes his living from tattoos and has been doing them for at least 15 years.
Regards,
Blanche

 

[carista]

That is exactly what I have heard also. I've had friends that are tattoo artists and getting a tattoo when you are on anticoagulant's can make the tattoos smudged or blurred looking. If you're willing to accept that that might happen if you were to get one, then I would say go for it. I'm with Gina I want to get one more tattoo also and will in few more months but I'm going to pre-med before I do and make sure everything is sterile. I personally think it's riskier getting dental work done, but I'm not a doctor...just my opinion.

Carista

 

[imhayley]

tattoo idea

tattoo idea

Well, after reading certain things regarding infections, and also taking into consideration what a coag specialist also mentioned (blurred outcome of tattoo) plus YOUR input I have come to the conclusion that..... I come up with the greatest ideas at the wrongs times in life I will just have to enjoy all the ones I have and stop the "wanting more" addiction right here and now If you have ever had 1 tattoo then you know the bug I speak of. Thanks all you're awesome and I hope everyone knows that you all truly are in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks again for posting and for all the great info..much appreciated!!!

 

[Karlynn]

I meantioned the subject to my son. He said that he had heard that if you bleed to much while being tattooed the ink doesn't take and you get a faint tattoo, or an uneven one - etc. (Supporting what Blanche's expert said)
Rats - I always said I was going to get my incision turned into a long stemmed rose.

 

[geebee]

I have always wanted a small butterfly tattoo on the back of my right wrist. I have resisted in the past due to being in the corporate world. Now that I am getting older (and am no longer part of the rat race), I am giving in to past resisted activities because I say "what the hey". Don't know if it will ever happen but you never know.

 

[pink.gingham]

Is there anyone here who has actually had a tattoo done after being on coumadin? Not just speculating about what could happen?

There is discussion here by a tattoo artist.

I really really want a new tattoo and am bored with all the limitations on me since my surgery!

thanks,
Carla

 

[Susan BAV]

Personally, I would not do it, but I guess it's time to say that it depends on how much of a risk your willing to take. Actually, I'm against tattooing altogether, but that's me.

I second that, Ross! But I didn't know you were such a straight-laced guy!

Just get one of those tattoo bandages. I had one on my foot awhile ago and it freaked out a couple we are good friends with because they thought it was real and they feel the same way as my husband and I do about tattoos...

 

[davidfortune]

Haley,

All other issues aside (with reputable artist, autoclaved instruments, sterile gloves, prophylactic antibiotics, close to good doctor, cardiologist's permission and knowledge, controlled air environments, inside you own home...)... Getting another authentic tribal tattoo in Bora Bora without any of the conditions described above sounds like a really terrible idea fraught with tons of risk and opportunity for infection.

I'm assuming you would be lying on the beach, exposing some skin to the sun (which you are not supposed to do with tattoos immediately after tattooing anyway) and sand and salt water.

All seems like really bad timing and very risky (and I'm a pretty adventurous person who isn't a worry wart).

I know you indicated you were going to abstain but I just thought I would reinforce with additional thoughts.

Have a good trip - and drink responsibly since you have coumadin now... Assuming of course drinking was part of the plan (I'm guessing because it would be for me...)

We all want to see pictures when you get back!

 

[WayneGM]

I can't understand the infatuation with tatoos...

I can't understand the infatuation with tatoos...

I second that, Ross! But I didn't know you were such a straight-laced guy!

...to each his own but I think I'm one of the few Harley riders without a tatoo, and I've been riding one since before they became "popular" mainstream (bought my first one in 1978, while all my buddies rode Hondas). Even though many of my buddies have tatoos, I still really can't understand why.

Never saw the sense in tatoos under normal circumstances. On the other hand, endocarditis and Coumadin....now there's two very good reasons not to chance it.

Anyway, this tread tweaked my interest as my teenage daughter has been asking about getting one because "all her friends are"....not a good reason IMHO. Especially, where she'd like to put it