I know that this is going to completely shatter whatever “mental image” you may have of me. Yes folks, that is a tattoo, and yes, that is really my arm.
I’m big on symbols. Certain images convey to me a million messages with one quick glance. This particular symbol has been a part of my mental arsenal for a long time – in fact an early post on this blog, back in December of 2004 (wow!) covered some of the feelings this symbol evokes for me. I am an optimist, probably to a fault – even through my rough periods, I know that there is some purpose to it.
I had it done a few months ago, but had been thinking about it for a long time. Earlier in the summer, Amy Tenderich of Diabetes Mine authored a piece over at dlife called “Tattoos and Piercings: Does Body Art Jibe with the Big D?“.
The timing of her article was uncanny. I had been to the tattoo parlor myself not even a week or two earlier. I was so excited that I had to e-mail her right away! I had intended on posting something about it here, but wanted to let it heal up some more.
Amy posted a follow up to that article today, and I thought now might be a good time for it.
My experience was a good one. It was uncomfortable to get done, but I attribute that to having it done on a sensitive place. It was sore for a couple of days, but proceeded to heal normally over the next 2 to 3 weeks. It was probably a complete month before it was 100% healed. I’m not sure if that is longer than typical, but I’m wouldn’t be surprised if it takes me longer to heal up after 26+ years of the big D.
So, there it is. I’m on the record as a long-term type 1 diabetic with a successful tattooing experience. I wish I could have found more of this when I was researching the subject.
I enjoy my tattoo, and the symbol is powerful to me.