Aa
Have you had a tattoo since you've been diagnosed?
I was wondering if anyone has gotten a tattoo since being diagnosed or maybe while they were still in limbo land? If you did how did it affect you?
I have been dx'd since 1997 and have always wanted a tattoo and yes, finally got one in July. I took really good care of it, was probably overly careful, and have had no problems. I agree the hardest part was deciding what to get and being able to sit still for the time it took.
Good luck with your decision.
Good luck with your decision.
I have a tramp stamp on my low back but that was done long ago! It now sags with everything else given to gravity! Very attractive....NOT!
My husband is a tattooist. BUT, my skin is so sensitive I can't sit long enough. I did manage to get one but that's as far as I got :( My skin just can not stand the pain of the needle. Sometimes it can't even stand clothing rubbing against it either. I haven't always been this way though. Not sure if it's another MS symptom or just me getting older and turning into a big ol sissy or not lol
I've had 13 tattoos since my diagnosis, which was 2 years ago, and it's never had an effect on my MS and I've never had an infection.
I want to get a tattoo, but I do have a compromised immune system. I have Multiple Myeloma, which is bone marrow cancer. My immune system was compromised in that my marrow made to many of a faulty white (plasma) cell, that crowds out normal blood cells. Then I was treated with my stem cell transplant, and given enough chemo to kill my entire bone marrow, and the transplant part is the cells they give you to reseed your bone marrow. (I was my own donor)
However it may never mature enough to be completely normal! That is why they talk about blood counts, specifically white counts. Mine are ok, but lower then average person. I am able to walk around and fight off general infections like colds, but the compromised portion is that my body's ability to fight bigger infections can become easily overwhelmed, which is what leads to the more serious complications of developing things like Pneumonia. Also things like ear infections after a cold (bit issue for me), skin infections, and all kinds of weird things (rashes, fevers) are more common.
However it may never mature enough to be completely normal! That is why they talk about blood counts, specifically white counts. Mine are ok, but lower then average person. I am able to walk around and fight off general infections like colds, but the compromised portion is that my body's ability to fight bigger infections can become easily overwhelmed, which is what leads to the more serious complications of developing things like Pneumonia. Also things like ear infections after a cold (bit issue for me), skin infections, and all kinds of weird things (rashes, fevers) are more common.
Thanks, Mary...I was getting ready to remind people that I DO NOT have MS, which I stated in my original post. I just thought that maybe Houston would still like feedback, MS or not, as she stated limbo, too....so I responded. And, in my case, the infection I got from the tat was due to my compromised immune system. When I had surgery for my Baclofen pump, that incision became infected, too.
I will say that this latest tat I got did hurt worse than the others. I'm not sure that it was coincidence as I expanded on a tat that was already there. It sure didn't hurt as bad the first time. The tat is on my lower leg and is pretty big and took 5 1/2 hours to complete.
Also, this tat does have great meaning to me. Mary is right, I did get the tat when I was undiagnosed. But, at that point, I also knew that I would never be the same as I was before I became symptomatic. I went through my acceptance stage and in the end I got my tat done. It is to remind me of the new person I have become and to make the best of it, be the best you can be and still soar in life.
I will take a picture of my tat right now and upload it here. My other tats don't really have meaningful stories at all, including my tramp stamp. ~grin~
Hugs to all,
Addi
PwMS may have a normal immune response in many situations. However, in a limited, specific manner the disease of MS most definitely DOES render a body "incapable of developing a normal immune response... as a result of disease".
No doubt concerns about fighting infection do come from the traditional medical usage of the term compromised immunity. My perspective was from personal experience.
Autoimmunity may not fit anyone else’s personal definition or be listed on a diagnostic code list as a disease of compromise. For me, MS means I don't function at full capacity and that means twopack considers her immune system compromised and life with MS to BE compromise.
Interestingly, I have a relative who risks death by immune system response whenever a bee shares its venom. That immune system works fine generally but its response to bees and shellfish is totally unreasonable IMO. Perhaps it’s not as faulty as an immune system with MS but it certainly has potential to be deadlier. Because it malfunctions I consider this system to be as compromised as my own.
I wasn't trying to give a medical dictionary answer to this question about tattoos for PwMS. As usual, I was simply trying to point out that everything needs to be considered in light of each individual’s circumstances.
If your definition post was a response to me COBOB, I still like your original answer. I was just expanding. It's the part of me that got me a permanent spot in Dr. Q's On-and-On ANON (not about) Recovery group.
Mary
No doubt concerns about fighting infection do come from the traditional medical usage of the term compromised immunity. My perspective was from personal experience.
Autoimmunity may not fit anyone else’s personal definition or be listed on a diagnostic code list as a disease of compromise. For me, MS means I don't function at full capacity and that means twopack considers her immune system compromised and life with MS to BE compromise.
Interestingly, I have a relative who risks death by immune system response whenever a bee shares its venom. That immune system works fine generally but its response to bees and shellfish is totally unreasonable IMO. Perhaps it’s not as faulty as an immune system with MS but it certainly has potential to be deadlier. Because it malfunctions I consider this system to be as compromised as my own.
I wasn't trying to give a medical dictionary answer to this question about tattoos for PwMS. As usual, I was simply trying to point out that everything needs to be considered in light of each individual’s circumstances.
If your definition post was a response to me COBOB, I still like your original answer. I was just expanding. It's the part of me that got me a permanent spot in Dr. Q's On-and-On ANON (not about) Recovery group.
Mary
Compromised Immune system has an accepted medical meaning. The American Heritage Medical Dictionary defines Immunocompromised as: Incapable of developing a normal immune response, usually as a result of disease, malnutrition, or immunosuppressive therapy.
Autoimmunity is not considered a "compromise." Just as a body can have an allergic response to the protein in bee venom and mount an immune response, the body can mount the same immune response to myelin and mount a response.
Bob
Autoimmunity is not considered a "compromise." Just as a body can have an allergic response to the protein in bee venom and mount an immune response, the body can mount the same immune response to myelin and mount a response.
Bob
I started a large back tattoo when I first started having symptoms. It was done in two sittings. I did not have any issues with it.
I don't think my immune system is compromised. I haven't been "sick" in a very long time. I can't remember the last time I had a temperature that wasn't related to an UTI or flu shot.
I do plan to be adding two more at some point to my back as well even if I'm in limbo or dx'd. :)
I don't think my immune system is compromised. I haven't been "sick" in a very long time. I can't remember the last time I had a temperature that wasn't related to an UTI or flu shot.
I do plan to be adding two more at some point to my back as well even if I'm in limbo or dx'd. :)
Bob's right as far as I know. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
The word compromised actually means something (or its function) is less than optimal. A less than optimal immune system can impair normal body function when it is over OR under active.
The MS immune system is believed to be compromised in the way Bob described. He is absolutely correct to mention that some treatments can drastically alter immune mediated reactions. JMO but I think treatment/drugs PwMS (and others) use are far more likely to set up potential problems.
Many people with an autoimmune disease end up finding out they have more than one. That stirs a variety of compromising factors into your chemistry.
Addi stated her doctor told her he thought the infected tattoo was from her compromised immune system. She was undiagnosed at the time (and I don't remember any docs who were stepping forward eagerly to help her get one back then). She was clear in the post that she is now diagnosed with a disease that is NOT multiple sclerosis.
----------------------
I'd love to have the nerve to try a tattoo someday but
I'd never be able to settle on a design or location,
I have to be steroid free longer than I manage lately,
I'm afraid I'd chicken out at the first buzz of the "pen" (the sounds in the dentist's office kill me without ever touching me),
I doubt my skin has the texture or sagless beauty to support one these days, and
The neuromuscular therapist told me last week that she had one done and the pain was worse than childbirth (less intense but too continuous and too prolonged).
That pretty much ended it for me getting one but I LOVE to see them and hear the stories behind their creation.
Input from others here is great. Just remember the best thing is to check out your personal health history (especially concerning healing time, reactions or past complications).
Good luck! It sounds like you could be thinking about moving forward to take control and do something for yourself that is about YOU instead of just the disease you live with. If so, I hope you get to do it. It creates freeing and take control moments that we sometimes desperately need. It's the type of thing Shell (sllowe) calls doing GOOD and asks us to report on from time to time.
Would love to hear (and see) more someday.
Mary
The word compromised actually means something (or its function) is less than optimal. A less than optimal immune system can impair normal body function when it is over OR under active.
The MS immune system is believed to be compromised in the way Bob described. He is absolutely correct to mention that some treatments can drastically alter immune mediated reactions. JMO but I think treatment/drugs PwMS (and others) use are far more likely to set up potential problems.
Many people with an autoimmune disease end up finding out they have more than one. That stirs a variety of compromising factors into your chemistry.
Addi stated her doctor told her he thought the infected tattoo was from her compromised immune system. She was undiagnosed at the time (and I don't remember any docs who were stepping forward eagerly to help her get one back then). She was clear in the post that she is now diagnosed with a disease that is NOT multiple sclerosis.
----------------------
I'd love to have the nerve to try a tattoo someday but
I'd never be able to settle on a design or location,
I have to be steroid free longer than I manage lately,
I'm afraid I'd chicken out at the first buzz of the "pen" (the sounds in the dentist's office kill me without ever touching me),
I doubt my skin has the texture or sagless beauty to support one these days, and
The neuromuscular therapist told me last week that she had one done and the pain was worse than childbirth (less intense but too continuous and too prolonged).
That pretty much ended it for me getting one but I LOVE to see them and hear the stories behind their creation.
Input from others here is great. Just remember the best thing is to check out your personal health history (especially concerning healing time, reactions or past complications).
Good luck! It sounds like you could be thinking about moving forward to take control and do something for yourself that is about YOU instead of just the disease you live with. If so, I hope you get to do it. It creates freeing and take control moments that we sometimes desperately need. It's the type of thing Shell (sllowe) calls doing GOOD and asks us to report on from time to time.
Would love to hear (and see) more someday.
Mary
Actually, PwMS do not have "compromised immune systems." We have no lack of T-Cells, B-cells or any WBCs. We just have antibody activity against myelin that signals the immune system to attack it.
There is no evidence of greater risk of infection associated with MS. Now some of the medications PwMS take can create a different condition. Fingolimod (Gilenya) lowers the number of circulating lymphocytes on the blood. IVSM (methylprednisolone) is a potent immunosupressant. The CRABs are immunomodulators and do not suppress the immune system's response to infection.
At least that is what the studies and literature say.
Bob
There is no evidence of greater risk of infection associated with MS. Now some of the medications PwMS take can create a different condition. Fingolimod (Gilenya) lowers the number of circulating lymphocytes on the blood. IVSM (methylprednisolone) is a potent immunosupressant. The CRABs are immunomodulators and do not suppress the immune system's response to infection.
At least that is what the studies and literature say.
Bob
I got my first tattoo last year, about a year after I was diagnosed. I am on Tysabri, so I checked with both my neuro and family doc before hand, to be sure they thought it would be OK. I had no problems with it, but I was very careful to take good care of it while it was healing. I am very happy with it - good luck with yours!
Rita
Rita
hi im a soon to be great grandma!!- well years ago-lol- they called them tramp stamps!! anyway i have wanted one, just for fun, but havent done it yet- but i will- its on my bucket list!! ha!
I got a very big back piece. I didn't have any problems with it. I am dx with MS and I would get another tattoo.
I didn't think we had compromised immune systems. I thought our immune systems were overly active and that's why the myelin sheath is attacked by our own immune system.?
Please jump in to correct me if I'm wrong. :-)
Kristi
I didn't think we had compromised immune systems. I thought our immune systems were overly active and that's why the myelin sheath is attacked by our own immune system.?
Please jump in to correct me if I'm wrong. :-)
Kristi
Lol...then I would have to get one on my butt because that is the only place I have any numbness! :)
I say, go for it...and let me know if it was just you being cocky or if you do happen to have a reaction.
By the way, my first tat was just the words, "Ms. Cocky". Lol
Addi
My last one got infected too.
It was at a bike rally in the desert I fell asleep with the first bandage on I think after I took a shower, So that's most likely why.
It had been so long since I had cared for a tattoo and I wasn't really paying much attention to their instructions. I got all cocky I guess cause it's like my 5-6th one and I figured I knew what I was doing.
I've read some place that any little nick or cut could send you into a attack. But I have nicked myself a lot since being diagnosed and been OK so far. When I first got the parasthesia I thought it might be cool to get a tattoo there cause you couldn't really feel it so much.
It was at a bike rally in the desert I fell asleep with the first bandage on I think after I took a shower, So that's most likely why.
It had been so long since I had cared for a tattoo and I wasn't really paying much attention to their instructions. I got all cocky I guess cause it's like my 5-6th one and I figured I knew what I was doing.
I've read some place that any little nick or cut could send you into a attack. But I have nicked myself a lot since being diagnosed and been OK so far. When I first got the parasthesia I thought it might be cool to get a tattoo there cause you couldn't really feel it so much.
I got a tattoo last year. I don't know if it was a coincidence or not, but it got infected. I have other tattoos from before my health problems started and had no problems. My PCP believes it was due to my compromised immune system.
Keep in mind, I am no longer in limbo and do not have MS. I was dx'ed with another neuro disease.
Just for the record, this will not stop me from getting another tat, if I so chose to have one. :) Hope this helps!
Addi
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