Tattoos?

I had my Medtronics PM replaced with a Medtronic Viva Quad XT CRT-D (defibrillator) and am worried about needing medical aid. I have a medical alert bracelet already but am worried about some idiot not noticing it. Is it unreasonable to consider a small tattoo in block letters over my implant site? I tell myself that I worry too much but then I think "what's the big deal if it makes me feel better about it?" Just not sure if it would cause any problems. I know less than zilch about what is in tattoo ink but figured someone here is prob sporting a tat or two (get it? tat-two?)

5 Comments

Thought of a tattoo also

by Marie12 - 2013-10-31 07:10:21

I have also been considering a tattoo. I'm afraid ICD doesn't tell people enough because they may not know what that means. On the other hand, implanted defibrilator seems kind of long. On the silly side, I've considered just using a sharpie on the left breast and refreshing it as needed.

Thanks!

by IdyGal - 2013-11-01 03:11:30

I was thinking about an actual tat of a device with the word 'defibrillator' arched over it in small but bold letters. (note to self: be sure tattoo artist knows how to spell 'defibrillator') Great point abouf styles changing so I'd go with just the one word..... I'm only 56 and doubt that I'll ever be without some type of defib keeping me going.

I have seen the pretty beaded bracelets but worry that they may be overlooked. There are even anklets and styles that have a USB/flash drive with 2+GB storage. Good idea if you're guaranteed that someone would have a computer! I've been to several CPR classes and don't recall any addressing looking for medical alert jewelry.

Thanks for the input. I'll keep it in mind. Maybe I'll post a pic if I get it done!

road id

by mike thurston - 2013-11-02 12:11:27

I use a road id that has a red band. Going to order their dog tags also. Several folks commented that most everyone knows what a dog tag is and will quickly look at them. My pm/icd is pretty noticeable they would have to be blind to miss it I would think. The only time I road in an ambulance (not an emergency) I had little confidence in the EMT at my side. Probably depends on where you live, southern Indiana is rural so they don't see as much as those in bigger cities. Mostly stick you on a chopper and ship you out.

tatted

by RosyEatWorld - 2013-11-04 11:11:55

I am 3 months post op and my surgeon noticed my tattoos during surgery. He told me I could get more if I wanted but just to be sure it's from a clean and reputable shop. He had a patient who got a dirty tatt right over his device and it got infected. Long story short he had to remove the infected device and it was a messy and painful surgery.
I am planning on getting a chest tattoo (as soon as I can find a few hundred bucks laying around lol). Was thinking of a cool old school sacred heart with a pacemaker. I just need to find the right artist to draw it up for me.
Tattoos are wonderful I love mine, go for it!

interesting!

by genedwiggins - 2014-02-07 09:02:52

I'm approaching my 3rd anniversary of my PM implant, and I've always joked about getting a tat of my device over the implant site. Everyone thinks I'm a nut, but now I see it seems to be common thought amongst us..how funny!!

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