Can I even get a tattoo? Any advice

Hi Everyone, I am new to this board, and am currently in the reseach phase for a tattoo I would eventually like to get. The reason I ask if I can even get a tattoo is the fact that my Factor VIII levels are a bit lower than normal low due to my father being a severe hemophiliac. I would be considered a symtomatic carrier since my levels are at 34% and the normal range is around 50-150% Most likely I would not have noticable bleeding problems unless something tramatic like a car accident, tooth extraction, pregnancy/delivery. Although, I am concerned I might bleed the ink, and end up with a blotchy tattoo. So I am curious what some of you professional tattoist think, or would any of you even be willing to work on someone like me?? I have had a few piercings, my lip14g, 14gnipples and 14globes. I have to admit I bleed quite a bit from the nipple piercing, and a bit from my ear lobes but not initially. The size of the tattoo I am thinking about would be a full sleeve, so it would be intensive. I am just looking for advice from the artist end, since I know I will eventualy need to talk with a hemotologist about it. Thank you for your help!

Spoon, I will try to find you a more concrete answer, and I am sure that some of the other regs may already know the asnwer to this, but so far everything that I found reads that you should not get a tattoo. But don't dispair! I know that there are several Blood factors related to hemophilia. Hell, I have a Factor VII deficency (sp?) and I have two sleeves in progress.... Hang in there and I will try to find ya something.....J

Fuck, I don't Know! I'm actually stumped! Go Jason Go!

Thanks! I appreciate your responses :) I know there's a inhalent medication out there called DDVAP that helps release VIII from the cellular walls to help bring the levels up to a more normal state. Taking the DDVAP while being tattoed seems like that might be an option, but I would have to talk with a doctor about that one. I was just hoping to get some info from any tatoo artist on here and if they have ever done any work on someone in a similar situation as me? Also, what happens when somebody tends to bleed a bit more than normal while being tattoed? The worse case senario I can think of would be a blotchy tattoo?? I am by no means at danger of uncontrolled bleeing during a tattoo like someone with moderate or severe hemophilia so my bleeding would subside. Please again any help would be much appreciated ;) -Brooke

Brooke, The best thing that I have found so far was a short sentence that read, "If you have a history of hemophilia, see your doctor if you are considering getting a tattoo." I know that probably takes some wind out of your sails. The only things that come to mind are; 1. that if you do decide to get a tattoo it would be best to work on it a little at a time. (depending on how big the piece is.) 2. I don't know of, and I could be wrong, any tattoos that turned out blotchy because of bleeding during the tattoo process. Bad after care is usually the culprit of that, i.e., pulling the skin off while your skin is dry or before it is ready to peal off will cause blotching. Kiddo I am no doctor and I don't know everything but I would atleast suggest asking your doctor if you haven't done so already. It may not hurt to get a couple of opinions. I will continue to look for more info... Hell it's not going to hurt me to know this stuff... Sorry for the wheels spinning but we ain't gettin' nowhere... Keep your chin up... If anything we know this guy named Mario J that does AMAZING work with Sharpies! =P ... No really, the guy is a freak and I want his thumbs!.... J

... And just a disclaimer for those that don't like to read entire threads... All that was written in the second paragraph on said above post was held with the knowledge that said individual stated knowledge of her mild factor VIII hemophilia. Not to be confused of correlated to moderate to severe hemophilia which then said response would have read, "DO NOT GET A TATTOO!".... Seacrest out!.....J

No word huh? I suppose I might be SOL for the time being..hmm

No word?...Look you just got a few very comprehensive answers! We are not doctors dear...consult one before you get tattooed!!!

Sorry didn't mean to sound pushy, I was just hoping for some info if any of the artist on here have tattooed someone in a similar situation as myself. I guess inevitably it will be up to a doctor if it's possible. Thanks everyone for your input!

Suggestion....Take massive amounts of vitamin K for 3 days before you get tattooed...K is a natural coagulant ( blood thickener) just make sure you get the ok from tha doc first!

Sorry Spoon that I never got back.... There are just somethings that are a real pain in the backside to try to find on the web. And then the other hard part is trying to denote which sources are more legit than the rest. This is a pretty difficult subject to try to reseach this way. I am not going to tell you that you are shit out of luck because that may not be the case for you at all. But like I have stated befaore and Taz just mentioned, we are by no means doctors ourselves. Vit. K is a very good supliment you could try but at the same time it all depends on your body and where your levels are at. By all means best of luck and if you still have questions by all means post them and we will continue to try to help you that best that we can......J