[LongCoolNurse]

1 on my lower back - about 5" in diameter, got it 4 years ago. I'd always wanted one, but could never find any I really liked. I was in a studio 1 day & found a great one. I had the artist shrink it down, put color in it, and 2 hours later I was inked! I have always been nervous when it comes to needles, but it didn't hurt a bit! It's the yin-yang with starbursts around it and almost tie-dyed in color. I also have my navel pierced (for about 9 years now). No more piercings for me, but I really do want another tat someday soon. It's really not noticeable unless I bend over in low-rise pants.

[Jrnalist2RNinOR]

Originally Posted by EarthChild1130

That's cool Shel...I am getting that very same )O( in June, on my back I have 3 tattoos and want at least 4 more LOL...I can't wear earrings though because they make my ears all infected (every kind does that!)...I really want my belly button pierced but I'm sure the same thing would happen to that piercing!

I have the same problem w/piercings - most metals bother me (however) there are a few metals that dont - high quality gold (occasionally silver) and titanium/platinum

If you guys/gals are having trouble with metals you could always try organic jewelry (wood/bone) or they do make glass and plastic...(in lots of colors)

[Jrnalist2RNinOR]

Originally Posted by shel_wny

I have keloids - all the luck! Ugh! I found out that I had keloids when I was 13 and got a mole removed and found myself in even worse shape with this big huge ugly itchy red scar. It has since flattened and healed...though it's taken a good 10 years. I did manage a belly button piercing that didn't scar, thank goodness! It was a few years ago and I was among friends and feeling crazy on a fun summer night. I'm afraid to get my ears repierced as they closed up since I was a little girl. I'm afraid that a tattoo would aggravate my condition and I would be left with a ugly multicolored raised scar instead of a nice tattoo. I really would love to have a )O( tattoo though. It is a triple moon and has much to do with my past and my spirituality.


Shel

Just a comment on tattoo inks -

http://risks.bmezine.com/?Ink_Allergy

Tattoo inks are totally unregulated and generally tattoo artists are not even aware of what specific ingredients make up the pigments — only a small amount of tattoo ink is allergy tested. These pigments range from metal oxides to synthetic organic dyes. Inks most commonly reacted to include reds and yellows. Some people have react with red, bumpy, sore, or itchy skin on and around the tattoo. Some people will have more severe reactions such as blistering, skin lesions, and persistent infections.


Oh and about the keloids

http://risks.bmezine.com/?Keloid

[WhiteCaps]

No, I don't have and don't want a tatoo. But if I did, it would be "DNR"
on my chest and a list of dr's I'd refuse to have care for me! LOL

[phaedra111]

I like my tattoos,the first one i got on my left thigh 28 years ago,i have a tribal like pattern on my lower right leg, its about 4 in by 3 in, get lots of compliments on that one. Last year a nurse that i work with has a relative that has a tattoo parlor, she had a tattoo party at her home, about 15-20 nurses all had tattoos done, most of us had more than one. one of the nurses was in her 60s and she got 2. I had a vine with 2 flowers placed on the outside of my right hand and it twists up to by little finger and there is a lady bug on my finger.i have had a few problems with the one on my hand, the colors ran a little and i had to have it outlined with black. i could have done with out the lady bug, but i got that to remind me of my grandaughter that died. I also have my ears pierced 3 times on the lpbe and on my left cart.i have 2. I have always worked in LTC and no one has complained about them. they do make a cover up if they need to be hidden. The administrator knew about the party and wanted to see every ones tatts. I will probably get a few more.!

[Marie_LPN]

I got the navel pierced yesterday. After the butterfly and daisy tattoo, that's as far as i'm going.

[OCCHCanada]

Two - one on the top of each foot - black spiders

[MrRNman]

I've got a tattoo. Actually, I thought about it for about ten years before I got it. My Irish grandmother picked out a cool celtic cross with shamrocks around it and had it engraved on her tombstone. Her and my grandfather are now dead and share the stone. For me, the tattoo on my upper arm has much meaning. I don't regret it one bit. Actually thinking of getting one on my other arm. However, the tattoos that are the product of a drunken adventure, I do not agree with! I do think it's a very big decision since it will be with you the rest of your life.

[ChristieAnn67]

I have one on my right ankle...its an eagle feather (signifying my native american heritage) with a red rose wrapped around it....its pretty hidden by my pants/socks....but I have gotten a few positive comments from patients...I like my tatoo, and glad I got it, but don't think i'd get another...

[Mandarella]

I have a fairy on the small of my back and a vine with a shamrock on my right ankle. Both coverable. I haven't regretted them yet, I've had them for about 9 years. Did have a belly ring...had to take it out when I was pregnant with my first son...not too attractive with a big belly. Sadly the stretch marks will prevent me from getting it done again!!

I think that when some people see a tatoo they automatically think "delinquent" which was never true in my case, I know it makes some people uncomfortable and I wouldn't expose them in the workplace just for that reason, I wouldn't want people to stereotype me or the care that I am capable of.

Like it or not being tatooed does carry a stigma...