Scar contest over?

[wkevind]

I know the scar contest is over but I thought I would share. Since I am the owner of a really cool scar I thought I would have it decorated in such a way that I am never again asked "what's that from?"
[URL="http://www.4hcm.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=14&pictureid=120"]

[url="http://www.4hcm.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=14&pictureid=120"]
Kevin

[wkevind]

Re: Scar contest over?

I tried to make that work ??? Photo in my album.

[JustJen]

Re: Scar contest over?

I know the scar contest is over but I thought I would share. Since I am the owner of a really cool scar I thought I would have it decorated in such a way that I am never again asked "what's that from?"

link here

Kevin

Should be clickable in the quote I edited above

Awesome solution.

[LindaSo]

Re: Scar contest over?

Excellent !! I especially like the frame textured by hair

[mbcube]

Re: Scar contest over?

Kevin - You had mentioned to me this earlier, but this is too cool!
Fantastic!

[EmilysDad]

Re: Scar contest over?

I think we have a winner!

[drumfiend]

Re: Scar contest over?

I have four tattoos and will be getting more. Just wondering if I could get a some ink around my ICD scar. The new device is under the muscle now so it should be OK? I think a Zipper would be appropriate!

[Midge Rollins]

Re: Scar contest over?

I would say no with a capital N. The risk of infection around an ICD is too high to take any chances with a tatoo in that area.

[wkevind]

Re: Scar contest over?

I think with the proper attention to detail
Antibiotics (like when going to the dentist)
An artist that uses autoclaves, new needles, gloves etc.
An proper aftercare (A&D or Aquaphor)
tattoos can be safe.
They are usually a permanent solution to a temporary idea. Thats a decision that needs to be considered as carefully as how sterile the modern tattoo artist keeps his studio and equipment.
I don't see them as a bad idea for health care notification either (tattoo vs bracelet?)
Whatever, I just try and record my major life events with art. I earned this one.
Kevin

[Midge Rollins]

Re: Scar contest over?

I guess, if I were drumfield or anyone with an ICD I would get permission from my cardiologist. As a transplant patient I was told I could never have a tatoo post transplant due to a weaker than the norm immune system. Everyone has to make their own personal decision in this area.

[THW]

Re: Scar contest over?

I'm not planning to get any but I'm just curious what HCM specialists say about tatoos for HCMers. I can't remember if I heard it from my HCM specialist or read it some where, but I thought that HCMers were advised to not get tatoos due to the risk of infection. I think at least prophylactic antibiotics (like when having dental treatment) would be advisable for any HCMers considering it. But I'd first check with a HCM specialist.

[Cynaburst]

Re: Scar contest over?

My own personal philosophy that I adhere to is to have nothing invasive done that isn't totally medically necessary. With an ICD in your body, you have a foreign thing in your body that is at risk for an infection as well as a higher risk for endocarditis. Anything you do (including something as simple as going to the dentis) introduces germs into your bloodstream and raises the risk of something going wrong and sometimes these things that might go wrong require months of hospitalization, surgery to remove the device, etc. So I am personally not willing to risk that for something that is not life threatening.

In my own case, I am deaf in one ear, and there is a hearing device I could get that would require a titanium rod be implanted in my skull. When I told my doctor about it a few weeks ago (not even asking if I could do it, just telling him that an ear doctor had recommended it) he got a complete look of horror on his face and said don't even think about it. And that is something that would improve my quality of life, but I don't think that the improvement is worth the risk to my health.

[wkevind]

Re: Scar contest over?

[QUOTE=THW;98163]I'm not planning to get any but I'm just curious what HCM specialists say about tatoos for HCMers.

I talked to my doctor at Tufts before the tattoo and sent him a picture after, his reaction "beautiful, very nice"

Sorry didn't want to start any controversy here but if I were that freaked about introducing infection I wouldn't be able to shave my face everyday.

I did this cause I wanted to, I did this after planning and research, I interviewed a number of tattoo artists, doctors and my HCM specialist and addressed every concern they or I had.

I know some people are adamantly opposed to tattoos for a number of reasons and I think that's fair to keep as personal choice.

I think the results we get from the choices we make are directly proportional to the personal investment we make in our decisions.

I am happy with my decisions and I am sorry that this has set off the alarms with others.

W.Kevin D

[Ipecac]

Re: Scar contest over?

I was thinking about a medic alert tattoo near my ICD. I just wonder if a paramedic would actually notice it. They're trained to look for a bracelet or necklace but may just ignore a tattoo.

[EmilysMom]

Re: Scar contest over?

Ipecac-

Probably EMTs wouldn't look for it.

Another funny or not so funny thought:
If you ever need a transplant, they will remove the ICD, and they'd have to remove the tatoo, too......