POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: otherplaces on June 12, 2006, 12:10:00 am
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Just something I've been curious about. Have any of you gotten a tattoo while being positive?
I have two tattoos and I'm not even sure if I'd like to get more, but it'd be nice to have the option. Do you have to find an artist that doesn't care about your status? I remember the last tattoo I got I had to sign something saying I didn't have hiv or hep.
thanks,
brian
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I got a tattoo some 12 years ago. I also had to fill in the form and i ticked neg because i have never been tested for hiv anyway and I could have maybe been already infected. I think that Tattoo artists have strict guidlines on procedures so at the end of the day it should not really make much all that difference. Will be interesting to read other experiences of getting a tatoo while hiv pos and what the procedure was.
mark
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I got both of my tattoos while being HIV+. I didn't disclose my status to the tattoo artist and he never asked.....no forms to fill out or anything. All tattoo artists should be following "universal precautions" so you really shouldn't need to disclose. I actually know someone who has a tattoo on his arm that says HIV+ so obviously there are some tattoo artists that will give you a tattoo even if they know you are POZ.
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I had gotten an armband tattoo on my right arm about 10 years ago that said HIV+AIDS. I had just gotten out of a relationship controlled by drugs and didn't want to deal with disclosing so I thought I'd just tattoo it for everyone to see. Several years later I decided to get a cover up tattoo. I found an outstanding tattoo artist in Toledo who told me he takes the same precautions for everyone and did not require disclosure. To play it safe he goes into every tattoo assuming the client could be HIV or Hep+ He appreciated my honesty but said he took the same precautions
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I was interested in getting a tattoo and called a very popular place here in town. I spoke with the manager and he said "I treat everyone I tattoo as if they have the plague" LOL
Just like doctors, they must take universal precautions. It should not be a problem.
Lisa
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I have gotten 8 since testing poz. I discussed my status with the artist before hand, mostly for my own piece of mind. To him it was no biggy, but seemed to really appreciate the honestly. I do the same thing with a new denstist, oral hygenist, piercer, nurse, doc and what not. It makes ME feel more comfortable to do it. As of yet, I have never had anyone run out of the room screaming in terror.....but the day is still early. :o
Go get a kick-ass tattoo if you want one, and disclose your status if it will make you feel better. Please post a pic here when you get it.
Good luck,
Chris
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Thank you all for your suggestions. They do seem cautious enough that one wouldn't necessarily have to disclose, but I think I'd need to be upfront about that for myself. I imagine there has to be a tattoo shop in 'boys town' (the gay area in Chicago) that wouldn't care.
Next time I run into money I'll have to inquire...could be awhile.
brian
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I wouldn't feel any need to disclose to a tattooist and probably wouldn't since they are to follow standard precautions with all customers.
And I am interested in a getting inked again..... just not sure what or where :(
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Thanks Brian for posting this topic. I for one have always wanted to get a tattoo but was afraid with my status that I would be turned away. I'm sure there are places that still discriminates against positive folks though. If anyone was curious, I want to get a pair of large angel wings (hopefully, it will guarantee my entrance into heaven) and a growing vine on my arm with each leaf listing a hobby or the name of something/someone inspirational in my life :)
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Before David died, he and I discussed getting ME a tattoo. He had three and I wanted at least one.
Something like the Greek figure he had on his pelvis ( A winged Picarus)
but Brian I wouldn't feel the need to disclose to a Tattoo artist.... I would ask about his precautions.
Dingo...you need a dingo on your cute little bum. Something to smack while bumping your bottom :P
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I disclosed to my tatoo artist in New Orleans three and a half years ago. Got a cool fleur di lis on my shoulder... and a free tee shirt :)
it's the little things, ya know.
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I was thinking about getting a Tattoo of something but not sure where or what? I tend to change my mind a lot and it has to be something I REALLY want, but I have heard that some places with not tattoo HIV+ people...So I guess it just all depends...