Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on January 29, 2012 at 7:56pm

I don't mind having the diabetes out there but I have a med alert necklace and prefer having a skull with the syringes for the diabetes tattoo to some sort of useful medic alert one.

Permalink Reply by Catherine Jane Vancak on January 29, 2012 at 8:06pm

I have quite a noticeable medical alert tattoo but that's the way I like it. I need people to see it in case of emergency. I wanted it to not only be a medical alert tattoo but a work of art. I happened to get my tattoo right before I was to go into an unplanned surgery to fix my broken ankle this summer. All the doctors and nurses I came in contact with really liked it. I'm pleased that the medical community approves!

I must admit, that's how many people find out about my diabetes. They ask about the tattoo and they're either sorry they asked or they think it's cool. I don't mind having my diabetes out there for people to see. It's a part of me and if people can't handle it then it's their issue not mine. If I really don't want to talk about it I always have the option of long sleeves or makeup (which I need for dance performances!)

There's no regret for me and I'm proud of it. 100% glad I have it.

Permalink Reply by Bec on January 31, 2012 at 6:05am

It is a really lovely piece - love the detail!

Permalink Reply by Bradford on January 30, 2012 at 6:20am

I had this reservation for a long time too b/c I wanted to get one on my arm, just inferior to the elbow as well (mine is now on my right arm). However, I'm very open about my diabetes to all that know me, so the transition wasn't that much of a stretch. Yes, more people likely know that I have diabetes almost immediately upon meeting them (rather than them getting to know "me" and then being introduced to my diabetes during one of the many times that I am testing or adjusting my pump, etc). But I wear the pod on the back of my arm too so that's also an additional (albeit slightly more subtle way) of saying "hey, I have diabetes."

But, all that aside, I definitely would not change the fact that I got one. I can cover mine up for work (just wear my sleeves only partially rolled up, wear a light jacket around the office when I am wearing a short sleeve polo, etc) but the rest of the time, I don't care who sees it. People can judge if they want (they're going to anyways, so why should I let that stop me from living my life the way I want?)...that's there prerogative. Like Catherine, I am 100% proud of mine (it's part of who I am!) and I definitely wouldn't change it. 

Permalink Reply by MeganJ on January 30, 2012 at 9:09pm

Thanks for the responses! I like how all 3 of your guys' tattoos are completely different. The more I consider it the more I think I'll go through with it. My diagnosis date (or DMD date as I like to call it) is April 2nd. My current plan is to get the tattoo around that time. That will give me 2 months to really contemplate it, work out the design and know 100% that I'm making the best decision for me. :) 

Diabetes use to be something I hated and was angry about. Now I embrace it. I think it drives me to push my limits in ways I never thought to or needed to before. It also makes me appreciate my accomplishments and feel proud to be running/biking/hiking/swimming etc. A tattoo would symbolize my complete acceptance, and would also serve a safety function. :)

Permalink Reply by Bec on January 31, 2012 at 6:04am

I agree with you MeganJ - those are three awesome inkings :)

I too have been contemplating a dibetes-related tattoo (have lots that are not), but have had a really difficult time getting my vision in order...

Looking forward to seeing where you go with it, and hope for some inpsiration from all of these tremendous art pieces :)

Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on January 31, 2012 at 6:10am

Does anyone know any EMTs to ask if they'd notice something like that? I suspect that they are sort of on "autopilot" and doing kind of a checklist routine which may not actually include reading people's tattoos which after all, could be a tribute to someone else, a pet, Banting or whatever? They look really obvious to me but well, I'm sort of biased?

Permalink Reply by MeganJ on January 31, 2012 at 8:05am

I have a friend who's an EMT and he says he automatically checks BGs on anyone who has altered consciousness or passed out. I'll ask him specifically about tattoos next time I see him.

Permalink Reply by Bec on January 31, 2012 at 11:56am

I read a post in an older discussion (from a T1D EMT) who said the best spot would be the left wrist, that is the arm closest to the EMT riding with you in the back of an ambulance...

Permalink Reply by Emily on January 31, 2012 at 6:14am

My doctor hates tattoos but he told me that if he had diabetes he would get one too. I have the words 'insulin dependent' and a tiny syringe on my left wrist. I love it because I've never been big on jewelry. There's never been a time when I wish I could cover it up. It makes me feel safe incase I ever have some kind of accident. I definitely think med alert tattoos are a good idea for someone with type 1.

Permalink Reply by MeganJ on January 31, 2012 at 10:45am

I really like the simplicity of your tattoo! I wear a med alert necklace or bracelet, but it'd be nice not to _have_ to and still be protected/covered.

Permalink Reply by Nicole on February 5, 2012 at 11:29am

I began contemplating a medic alert tattoo after I lost my bracelet this summer. I'm still so torn!

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