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.
this may sound strange, but i am very glad i was given the chance to live with type 1 diabetes for 28 years and counting. this “illness” has made me a very strong person. i have lots (39+ hours) of tattos (1 has been in savage mag.) and all have healed very well. i’ve been looking for a diabetes tattoo for some time and have not found any i wanted for life, but am still looking. i am a very special person because i have diabetes…..the glass is half full.
i tattooed a 56 year old diabetic woman on her ankle. big mistake! it took her 6 months to heal completely. my work normally takes just over a week. theres so little bloodflow to her feet, it may never heal completely (this is noticable by shineyness, slightly different texture, milkiness in the colour), and it may lead to an amputation in years to come.
I was wondering the same thing that crazehana asked what is the proper symbol for diabetic?I’ve had diabetes since I was 11.Its been a real struggle for me this past year.I honestly didn’t think I would make it through this year and I did.Thats why i wanted something to show that I have diabetes and diabetes dont have me.I have two tatts already but this one would really mean alot to me..So please give me some ideas.So get back at me.My email is ..Thanks!
I just did my medic alert tattoo about 1 week ago and love it.
Check it out
http://whitehawkviews.blogspot.com/2007/12/medic-alert-tattoo.html
Hi…i was diagnosed with type 1 duabetes a month ago tomoro…on my 16th burthday :O … it hapened after i was really thirsty and i had lost 2KG in mucsle loss and decided to go the doctors where she reffered me to the hospital that night..my blood sugar level that night was 29.5 *shock* … anyway it has only been nearly a month and so far i am coping with it quite well…when i saw the doctor she told me that i wouldnt have to go through this alone there would nurses, dietricians ect to help me…which was trua…until i… Read more »