Women Get Sick from Door-to-Door Tattoos

My comments follow the article:



SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Some women in Springfield are regretting their decision last week to get a tattoo from a door-to-door tattoo salesman. At least one person had to be hospitalized and the others face serious health risks.

Friday night, a man knocked on doors holding a tattoo gun and offering his services. Tamra Eason described the tool as homemade, but still agreed to pay for a tattoo. So did two other women in her apartment complex.

"It was wrapped with black tape, had a pin underneath it, had fishing wire going through it, you could tell it was a homemade gun," Eason said.

The next day, Linda Falls passed out and had to be hospitalized.

All the women have an infection in the tattoo area and have been told to get tested for HIV and hepatitis.

The health department said it's always worth the extra money to get a tattoo from a licensed professional with the right equipment and sterilization procedures.

"Getting a tattoo is like a wound. There's a risk of disease that may be long term or life threatening. It's a serious decision," said Jaci McReynalds, with the Greene County Health Department.

It is illegal in Missouri to give a tattoo without a license, so if several people file complaints with the state, the county prosecutor will pursue the case.

"Beware of deals in parachutes, brain surgery and tattoos," said Miller Cotton, a tattoo parlor owner.
***************

I didn't think this needed to be said, but apparently it does: DON'T GET A TATTOO FROM A STRANGER WITH A HOMEMADE GUN KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR.

I feel sorry for the women for getting sick from this scratcher, but come on, people. You're talking about a process in which a needle is poking into your skin. Do you really want to trust your health to someone idiot with a duct-tape "gun"?

I am forever amazed by the lengths people will go to put their health and their appearance at risk for a tattoo....and think nothing of it. I hear it all the time: people getting tattooed in garages, or at "tattoo parties," or by a friend of a friend who ordered a "kit" over the Internet.

Tattooing is an ART. In order to do it properly, you must be TRAINED IN IT. No "kit" or video can teach you the essentials of tattooing. To be an artist, you must first be an apprentice...and be prepared to work hard to learn your craft. And remember: just because someone can DRAW nicely doesn't mean they can TATTOO.

In addition to being an art form, tattooing is, as I said before, an instrument piercing your skin. You MUST be vigilant as a consumer. Getting a tattoo from a scratcher does not mean that you'll end up with bad ink alone...it also means you could end up with infections, Hepatitis and other serious complications.

IT'S JUST NOT WORTH IT.

Go to a tattoo shop, people. Ask for photos of work they have done (not just flash). Ask what hygienic procedures they incorporate. Ask to see the autoclave (don't just take it for granted that they actually have one). Insist upon new needles opened in your presence, and do not use an artist who dips his needles directly into the ink bottle or re-uses ink from another tattoo (even if it's someone you know). In a shop with proper hygienic procedures, the chances of your having a complication are very, very slim (and despite the popular myth, there has never been one single reported case of HIV/AIDS from a tattoo shop). And the chances of your having bad ink is even slimmer...ink lovers everywhere can tell you that they can spot a scratcher tattoo a mile away (think I'm exaggerating? Check out this site: Bad Tattoos.com).

NEVER get a tattoo from a scratcher; this means no tattoo parties, no garages, no homemade or kit guns. NEVER go to an artist who will tattoo you outside of the law; make yourself aware of the laws in your area and insist they are followed. For example, an artist who will tattoo minors in violation of the law is an artist to avoid. If they are scimping on that, you have no idea what ELSE they are scimping on. NEVER use an artist who is OK with tattooing a drunk or drugged-out person. And, although this should go without saying, never use an artist who is intoxicated himself.

ALWAYS keep in mind that a good artist works in a shop with sterile conditions, uses proper equipment, and makes every effort to keep you and himself clean and safe. A good artist has no problem explaining and demonstrating her hygienic procedures. A good artist has no problem showing you examples of her work.

And for crying out loud, a good artist DOES NOT go door-to-door.

Here are some links. If you want a tattoo, READ THEM. Don't be an idiot....THINK BEFORE YOU INK!


Are Tattoos Safe?

Identifying a Safe Tattoo Parlor

The Secret to a Great Tattoo

Tattoo and Body Piercing Laws by State

Tattooing and Health Risk: What the Statistics Say

The Legend of the Nastiest Scratcher on Earth

Now I've Seen It All: Fun with John Thomas

Just a warning: the links below are not kid or workplace friendly. Strictly adults only...and very, very funny.


The first is a news story that shows that Frosty isn't the only male thing you can make out of snow. And note how much fun the author of this article had with his, uh, subject matter. Be sure to click on the link for the pictures:


Police whack giant snow penis


By John Doherty
Times Herald-Record


New Windsor - What, some might ask Jessica Sherer, is with the giant snow penis she built on her boyfriend's lawn this week?

As everyone knows, phallic displays were central to Viking winter solstice celebrations of fertility and rebirth.

But down on Quassaick Avenue, around the corner from the New Windsor Elementary School, the 6-foot tall, anatomically correct, finely detailed penis raised some questions Monday.

Especially for police.

"We got some calls that people thought it was offensive," said New Windsor police Chief Michael Biasotti. "We assumed it was some kids who did it."

Officers found no one home. Assuming the snow sculpture was more prank than nod to Christmas' pagan roots, the police knocked it down. Beat it down with shovels, actually.

"We came back around 11 in the morning, and it was just a pile of snow," recalled Sherer, 19. "Just some shovel marks."

Sherer, um, erected the statue with her boyfriend and another friend Sunday. She said she was surprised to hear some neighbors took offense.

Motorists honked their approval, and people walking by pointed and laughed, she said.

"People were waving and laughing," she said. "It was pretty funny."

No citations or criminal violations will be issued for the display, Biasotti said. The town codes prohibit lewd signs on businesses, but don't mention anything about public snow sculptures.

"We probably weren't 100 percent correct in going on the property and knocking it down," New Windsor Town Supervisor George Meyers said. "But our intentions were pure. Some people were offended. There are school buses going by there all day."

The last two nights of freezing weather has made the snow too stiff to sculpt, said Sherer. But she intends to rebuild.

"In a couple of days, Thursday or Friday, after it gets a little warmer," she promises.

Police and town officials aren't sure what their move will be.

"I'd want the police to talk to the property owner if we got complaints, ask them to take it down" Meyers said. "But after that, I don't think there's too much we can do."

Biasotti worries the display might give others ideas. "Now we're going to get snow penises popping up all over town," he said.


---------------

This next link is not for the faint-of-heart. Now, don't get me wrong: I love dragons. I love tattoos. I love piercings. But this guy has gone just a tad bit too far, don'tcha think?



Puff the Magic Trouser Snake



As my subject line reads....now I really have seen it all....

Creepy: Tattoo Foretells Death

This is one of the creepiest news stories I've read in a long, long time:



Eerie inking foretold fate




A Brooklyn father getting a tattoo called "Last Rites" inked into his flesh passed out and crashed headfirst into a glass counter yesterday, killing himself, police and witnesses said.

Joaquin Laguer, 27, nearly was decapitated during the horrific accident inside Buzz Tattoo, an unlicensed parlor in East Williamsburg.

"There was nothing I could do," said shaken tattoo artist Julio Ramos, 36. "I was kneeling next to him, praying to God. My assistant said, 'He's gone.'"

Laguer, an aspiring model and rapper, felt faint soon after Ramos finished inking the outline of an abstract, wizardlike tattoo onto his right forearm.

Saying he was hungry, Laguer walked over to a glass counter where he'd placed a Spanish takeout meal of half a chicken, fried plantains and rice.

But before he could reach the food, he passed out and slammed into the front of the counter at 2 p.m. The shattering glass sliced deeply into his neck, Ramos said.

"There was no saving him," said Ramos' assistant, Wilson Fernandez, 24.

Laguer, who had a 2-year-old daughter, was rushed to Woodhull Hospital, where he was declared dead at 2:22 p.m.

His grieving girlfriend, Shanequa Neal, said Laguer had eight tattoos and wanted another featuring a picture of their daughter, J'lynn. When he couldn't afford it, he chose another tattoo out of a catalog.

Neal was stunned by the irony of the name of the "Last Rites" image he had selected. "It was like it was his time," she said.

More Tattoo Humor

New Tattoo!

New Tattoo!
I got my new tattoo today, from my fabulous artist, Mav. It's based on the Chalice Well symbol. According to legend, the Holy Grail was placed inside the Chalice Well at Glastonbury Abbey in Glastobury, U.K....which, some say, is the ancient Isle of Avalon. It's the perfect tattoo for an Arthurian junkie like me. My dream is to someday have my wedding vows renewed at the Abbey. The Well is also said to have healing properties, and this tattoo reaffirms my belief that someday, MS will be cured. I think Mav did a fabulous job with the design. I love it!

Pain, Revisited...and No More Freaking Spam Comments!

First off, any prayers, glows or good thoughts y'all could sling my way, I would appreciate greatly. The pain today is MASSIVE. The worst it has been in a long, long time. I don't know how I am going to be able to stay out of the hospital...

Next...as you may or may not have noticed, I had to delete the "Miami Ink vs. Inked" post (I kept a copy, and will put it back up at a later date). It was slammed by no less than THIRTY spam comments. I attempted to delete the spam, but the next time I would check...there was even more. I'm assuming that the assholes are doing searches on various words and spamming the posts that show up, so I've removed it for now. To the spammers: find somewhere else to peddle your useless shit. My comments area, like my kitchen, is a no-spam zone.

Finally, to lighten the mood, I offer up the photo above of some incredibly cool hair. I've seen long dreds before...but man, this guy is the Crystal Gayle of reggae.

(Off to find my copy of Dr. Alimantado's "Born for a Purpose," quite possibly the best reggae single of all time.)

Tin God Syndrome: Caligula, the Ongoing Saga

Well, I have yet to hear back from the patient representative regarding my complaints about Caligula. I'll give her one more day, and then I'm calling again.

But that doesn't mean I haven't heard from Caligula himself.

Yesterday, I went to my doctor's office to be seen after my recent trip to the ER and run-in with that bastard Caligula. Now, my regular doctor isn't a bad sort. She's kind of young, but she's compassionate and willing to listen to the patient. There's a lot to be said for that.

Anyhoo, she asks me about the ER visit and I tell her all about my two run-ins with Caligula, and how awful he was. When I told her about him shaking my head and tapping my face, she was appalled. She immediately went to look for the ER report.

I could tell right away that said report wasn't good news. She had that unfortunate look on her face that people get when they are deciding whether or not to let you know you have spinach in your teeth and it was there the whole time you were talking to your boss/mother-in-law/cute bartender.

First, she tells me that according to the records from the first ER visit, Caligula did an actual physical examination for twenty-two minutes. The recommended exam for trigeminal neuralgia takes about two minutes. Secondly, he DID indeed call other hospitals to see if I had been there recently for medication, forcing me to wait in pain while he did so. His notes also indicated that he believed I was drug-seeking.

At this time, I told my doctor that Caligula never once asked for a drug test; in accordance with my pain management contract, had he asked me, I would have given him one. Just like the other dozen or so I've taken over the last few years, it would have been clean.

I can see, however, that this is NOT the bad news she's so reluctant to share. That morsel was on the second ER report.

On THIS report, the majority of his comments had more to do with my haircut, tattoos and nose ring than with my physical condition. But worse, his notes indicated that as it was the second trip in a month, in his view I was in fact drug-seeking. To bolster this belief, he added for "proof" that my left hand appeared to be burned in a manner that was consistant with a crack pipe.

A CRACK PIPE.

It took me a moment to recover from the shock of this. As I was trying to gather my thoughts, my doctor let me know in no uncertain terms that she was writing a report of her own, to be attached to the ER report, stating unequivacably that she had treated the burn within 12 hours of its occurance and it was NOT consistant with a pipe burn, but was clearly and without doubt a liquid scalding. Also, her report would include the fact that I have had numerous drug tests, and not a single one has ever shown any illegal drug use. Not to mention the fact that I have never exceeded my alloted amount of medication, did not even seek stronger medication for the first six years of my condition, and have repeatedly refused narcotics in favor of non-narcotic medicines like Torradol.

To say that I am offended and horrified by Caligula's oral diarrhea is putting it mildly. This utter bull feces is on my medical record. I, a person with a well-documented and diagnosed chronic pain disorder, have been accused of being a crackhead. A clumsy crackhead.

I've called my lawyer for advice. I'm also in the process of drafting letters to the medical board and the hospital review board. This time, Caligula's gone way too far.

Checking In

What a week it's been! On Sunday, I turned 31. I had an absolutely wonderful day. I got to sleep in, then we went to our favorite little Italian restaurant for dinner. Jonathan bought me a German chocolate cake, just like my mom used to make for me every year. I also got (in addition to my upcoming tattoo appointment) the DVD of "Greg the Bunny" (another great Fox show they cancelled way too soon) and a big box of chocolates. My dad was being a dick, as usual: he didn't call, and sent me a cheap card with pictures of his latest wedding included. Gee, Dad, what I always wanted: photos of your latest fiasco.

I wasn't about to let that get me down, however. All in all, I had a great birthday and I am looking forward to my tattoo!

On Tuesday, I had yet another dental appointment. I cannot wait for all this to be over and done with. Each appointment aggrivates my trigeminal neuralgia and I end up in great pain. I hate it.

Yesterday, our cat died (see post below). We had a big cookout planned for this weekend with several of our friends, but we decided to cancel. No one here is in a mood for a party, I'm afraid. She was very old, and it wasn't exactly unexpected...but her loss is felt strongly nonetheless.

I don't know about all you ZPT fans, but I have had quite enough of this damnable heat wave. Bring on fall....please!


'Til next time...

Weird Tattoo Sighting

Hey, I love the Cure, too....but I think this might be going a bit too far:


Monday's Blue

Stroll Down Memory MEME

I've been tagged by my beloved Fizz...so here goes....





10 Years Ago:
I was trying to patch things up with then-boyfriend, now-husband Jonathan, after a short seperation. We would be successful (obviously) a few weeks later...and have been together ever since. We were still living in Dayton, and my mom was briefly living with me after HER break-up with a shithead boyfriend who is, in my opinion, pond scum. We spent much time consoling one another over ice cream and oreo cookies. I would turn 21 in two weeks.




Five Years Ago:
Wow...let's see. I have absolutely no idea what I was doing in July 2000. We were living in our old Shitty Apartment...I think maybe we were on vacation in Ohio in July. Not sure.




One Year Ago:
I was doing much what I am doing now: trying to stay out of the heat and taking care of my kids...the only big difference is that Eden, who is now definately a toddler, was still quite definately a baby.





Yesterday:
Housework. Lots of fun.




Today:
Rested, mostly, as I was having a serious bad MS day. Every muscle in my body aches and burns. I watched the "Cash in the Attic" marathon on BBCAmerica. I also spoke on the phone to my friend Amy and IM'd at length with Fizz. After I put the baby to bed, I'll be doing arts & crafts with my oldest two kids.




Tomorrow:
Outlet shopping, and weather permitting, a trip to the park with the kids.




5 Snacks I Enjoy:
Soft pretzels & nacho cheese; yogurt; popcorn; granola; ice cream sandwiches.




5 Bands I Know the Lyrics to Most of Their Songs:
Prince; Indigo Girls; Kate Bush; Depeche Mode; The Cure.




5 Things I Would Do with a $100,000,000:
Get some kick-ass doctors; move to England; start my own record label; travel; buy a big, gorgeous house.




5 Locations I'd Like to Run Away To:
London, Glastonbury (U.K.), Ireland, Italy, Las Vegas (but only for a week or so).




5 Bad Habits I Have:
I procrastinate; I talk too much; I ignore my doctors when they tell me to take it easy; I write phone numbers & notes in paperback books; I'm always late to pick up prescriptions (Walgreen's must hate me---they have to send me half a dozen of those "your prescription is ready to be picked up" phone messages before I actually get the damned things).




5 Things I Like Doing:
Singing, writing, blogging, dancing and getting tattoos.




5 Things I Would Never Wear:
A thong (particularly one sticking out of the top of my jeans), a bikini, a 'wifebeater,' a shirt with a butterfly collar and pants with words on the ass like "cute" or "hottie."




5 TV Shows I Like:
AbFab, Cash in the Attic, Hell's Kitchen/Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares, History Detectives and Law & Order: SVU.




5 Movies I Like:
Pump Up the Volume, Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Smoke Signals, Thunderheart, Bowfinger.




5 Famous People I'd Like to Meet:
Anne MacCaffrey, John Lydon, Prince, Tommy Chong, Graham Greene.





5 Biggest Joys at the Moment:
My husband, my children, my friends, my spirituality and my health (even in the shape its in, it could be SO much worse).



5 Favorite Toys:
I don't really like "toys" per se. So I'll go with "possessions." The celestial dish my mother gave me, my Valentine Book (long story), the antique Japanese vase I inherited from both sides of my family (long story), my family photos and the "engagement ring" my husband gave me when he proposed (another long story).




5 People To Tag:
Angel (Give Me Something To Sing About)
Pixie (Garden of the Red Faerie)
Bonnie (Punk Rock Mommy)
AGFH (A Girl From Home)
Vanessa (Just Another Righteous Babe)

MS and Belly Buttons: To Pierce or Not To Pierce?

I like to read up on articles about MS, and found a rather unusual one yesterday. This is the first time I've ever seen an article devoted entirely to multiple sclerosis & navel rings. It's also the first time I've ever seen acupuncture techniques used to support an anti-piercing stance. My comments will follow (you didn't expect me to keep quiet, did you?).


NAVEL PIERCING & MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS OR CHRONIC DISEASE?

Laurance Johnston, Ph.D.



In response to my writing on various alternative medicine topics, I sometimes receive unusual, but intriguing, questions. For example, a woman asked me
“Will a navel pierce aggravate multiple sclerosis (MS)?” The more I mulled over and researched this seemingly arcane question, I realized it was especially apropos under the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concepts that form the basis for acupuncture.

In risk-assessment calculations, overall risk is determined by multiplying individual risk by the number of people facing this risk. Hence, even if the risk associated with wearing a navel pierce is low for any specific person, it could cumulatively represent a significant overall health risk given the millions of young women who have had such rings inserted in their navels for an extended period of time over the past decade. If such a risk is real, one then speculates how many of these women 20 years hence may be more predisposed to diseases of chronic origin, such as MS, because they have kept a ring inserted in their navel for many years of their youth.

Acupuncture: To understand this issue, we must briefly review the TCM philosophy behind acupuncture. This ancient healing tradition believes that
a life-force energy called qi (pronounce chee) permeates all living things through channels called meridians. Good health requires an ample and flowing supply of qi. When qi is consistently diminished, out of balance, or polluted, sickness ensues; its absence means death.

Acupuncture points, small skin areas that are considered energy vortexes, periodically punctuate meridians. For those skeptical of this 5,000-year old healing tradition, modern scientists have, indeed, shown that these acupuncture points correspond to skin areas of greatly reduced electrical resistance. To promote healthy energy balance, the qi that flows through these meridians
can be regulated through needle insertion or other mechanisms.

Because conventional medicine emphasizes overt symptoms as opposed to
long-term causes of diseases and lacks TCM’s core belief that chronic energy imbalances are the basis for disease, we are unlikely to get answers for questions of this nature from traditional MS healthcare professionals.

Conception Vessel Meridian: A navel ring is inserted near a key acupuncture point located on the body’s all-important Conception Vessel (CV) meridian. As shown in the attached illustration, this acupuncture point, specifically CV8, is centered in the middle of the umbilicus or belly button. It is forbidden to needle this point under TCM theory. Depending upon the specific insertion, a naval ring could be the equivalent of having an acupuncture needle permanently inserted in this forbidden point. Such a situation could cause a chronic energy imbalance, and, in turn, under TCM theory, a predisposition to disease, such as MS.

Although this article establishes no link between MS and navel piercing, the information gathered suggests that this cosmetic practice may, indeed, have a downside.

What the Experts Say: First, according to Margaret Naeser, Ph.D., Lic.Ac. (licensed acupuncturist) and research professor of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, and VA Boston Healthcare System, the CV8 acupuncture point warms and stabilizes the body's yang energy (O'Connor & Bensky, 1983). Qi energy is divided into interacting yin and yang aspects, yang reflecting heat and what is active, and relatively more on the surface. Although it is forbidden to needle the CV8 acupuncture point, she was uncertain to what degree a piercing at the belly-button perimeter may affect the CV8 acupuncture point, located at the belly button center. However, even if the piercing avoids direct penetration of this point, it still may affect energy flow through the conception vessel meridian, especially if the piercing is in the midline of the navel on the superior
or inferior edge of the umbilicus.

This acupuncture point in the navel is never treated with an acupuncture needle
in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is only treated with warming moxibustion (an acupunctural variation in which points are stimulated by warmth instead of needles) or massage. According to Naeser, it would not be recommended to use body piercing of any kind, in or around the CV8 acupuncture point.

Second, through clinical observations, Dr. Patricia Combier, a TCM expert from Saint Laurent du var, France, has concluded that a navel piercing could potentially lead to major health-aggravating energy disturbances. Although most likely having minimal effects on a healthy person, she
believes that a navel piercing of an already emotionally, psychologically, or traumatically predisposed person could adversely influence energy imbalances, resulting in future sickness.

According to Combier, even if the vulnerable CV8 point isn’t exactly needled,
the overall surrounding area is considered a major energetic doorway to the body. If this energetic pipeline is breached, it is an invitation to major problems or the emergence of previously silent problems because the body will not be able to energetically compensate.

Finally, Villti Ulfur (Boulder, Colorado), an expert on alternative healing traditions, also believes that there can be a health-aggravating energy diminution associated with a navel pierce. According to him, a healthy body usually can develop a new energy meridian around the piercing site, and, as such, for most women, navel piercing will probably be innocuous. However, if the woman is already predisposed to MS, it can be the trigger that moves that person
more quickly into a disease state.

Conclusion: For many teenage women basking in youth’s vitality, it may be hard to factor in today’s decision-making a vague, undocumented, future health risk, especially compared to the immediate psychosocial benefits of wearing a navel pierce. Because navel piercing is a relatively new phenomenon, it is, of course, impossible at this stage to demonstrate any link to any disorder, whose expression is of a long-term, chronic nature, such as MS. Nevertheless, Traditional Chinese Medicine theory suggests that this cosmetic procedure promotes energetic imbalances, which, in turn, could conceivably compromise future health long after one has stopped wearing such jewelry. Although only the individual woman can decide if the self-image and -esteem benefits of wearing a navel pierce out-weigh the yet undetermined potential for future adverse health consequences, this potential should clearly be factored in her decision-making.

Reference: O'Connor J & Bensky D: Acupuncture, A Comprehensive Text. Translated from the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chicago IL: Eastland Press. 1981. p. 182.

*****************************
I have a couple of problems with this, but before I rant I'd like to make a disclaimer: if you believe in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, great. I'm a firm believer in letting others believe as they will. However, this is my blog and I'll bitch if I want to (and frequently do).

First, no one knows what causes MS. Among the leading theories include environmental factors and exposure to certain illnesses in childhood. In fact, some studies seem to indicate that most people "get" MS in childhood but don't develop symptoms for years. But what it all boils down to is: nobody knows. We know there are certain "risk factors": women are more likely to get it, it most often shows up in your 20's and the further North of the Equator you live, the more likely you are to get it (which seems to support the environmental theory). No one is sure.

Until I read this article, however, I've never heard it suggested that getting your navel pierced would cause or exacerbate MS, and I've got to say that unless I see a cold, hard, quanitified study or two...I don't believe it.

I myself have never had my navel pierced, nor am I interested, to be honest. I haven't been, since I saw a young friend of mine, years ago, have a migrated and infected navel ring forceably removed from her stomach. Yikes, is all I can say. I do have my ears pierced repeatedly, and my nose pierced. In my youth, I also had my septum and lips pierced as well. In addition, I have several tattoos...all but one of which I got after I developed symptoms of MS.

Which brings me to my next point: although I don't believe getting a piercing would cause MS or make the disease worse per se, I can see it bringing on a relapse in some (but not all) patients. If you're not feeling well already, or are sensitive to pain, or have site reactions...in those cases, I can see either a piercing or a tattoo aggrivating symptoms. And if it gets infected? That I can definately see causing problems, particularly if you're one of those MSers (like myself) who relapse with every cold or infection.

Does this mean I think people with MS shouldn't get body modifications? Nope. I'm not going to stop getting ink done, that's for sure. Do I think it COULD cause problems? Possibly.

So what could a person with MS do to minimize risk? My advice: carefully research your artist or piercer (good advice for anyone wanting bod mods). Only go to a reputable and hygenic studio; this will help cut down on the risk of infection and unnecessary pain (if you've ever been pierced by an inexperienced piercer, you know exactly what I mean). If you're sensitive to pain or get severe site reactions, you might want to steer clear of bod mods in general. And don't get any work done if you're in a relapse or feeling one coming on. I would even go so far as to advise MSers who are very heat-reactive to avoid getting bod mods when the temperature has been high...why rock the boat? And naturally, if you've had a bad reaction to bod mods in the past, it's probably not a good idea to tempt fate.

In the end, of course, there is risk involved: no one knows exactly how they are going to respond to a piercing or tattoo until they get it. This includes people who have already gotten work done before, as there can be a significant difference in pain and sensitivity from area to area on your body (my stomach tat, for instance, actually tickled, while my upper-leg tat hurt when the needle came near my kneecap). If you want to err on the side of caution, go with a smaller tattoo or minor piercing (ears, for instance) and see how your body reacts. Also, be aware that some medications might make you more suseptible to infection, or might make your blood thin (which tends to affect the quality of tattoos, and is why you should never get one drunk). And of course, think long and hard about getting a bod mod...and if it's worth it to you, despite the risks, go for it!

I'm interested in hearing comments from others in the MS/blogging community about this article and/or my comments. Do you have bod mods? Did you notice any change in your symptoms afterwards? Do you utilize acupuncture, and does it help at all? Anything you'd like to add? Fire away!

Nutbag Scratcher: Charges Follow Obscene Tattoo

Just when you think you've heard it all....



Charges Follow Forehead Tattoo


Police have charged a man and a teenager in central New York state with forcibly tattooing an obscenity on the forehead of a 17-year-old boy.

They won't describe the obscenity except to say it's a phrase.

The suspects are charged with assault and unlawful imprisonment. They're in jail in lieu of 25-thousand dollars bail, and a court hearing is set for tomorrow.

The victim walked into a police station Friday to file a complaint. He says the suspects held him down and used a homemade tattooing instrument.



YIKES! First of all, getting a tattoo with a homemade device is dangerous. You can't gaurentee sterility, and blood-borne diseases can be transmitted (as well as infection) as a result. So not only does this kid have the trauma of being held down and forcibly tattooed (on the head, no less...definately painful)...he's now got to worry about getting sick as a result, and he has the fun of multiple painful laser tattoo removal sessions.

I hope these nutbags serve serious jailtime. The freaks.

Although, out of morbid curiosity, I wish they'd let us know what the "phrase" was, lol. Any guesses?

My Tattoos!

Well, I finally bought a digital camera...so I can show off my tattoos! The four entries below are said photos of my ink on my wrist, leg, ankle and knee. I have others in more, shall we say, private areas...sorry, y'all...they're not for show.

I've discussed my tattoos before, so if you're so inclined, here's the post:
Of Dragons, Turtles and Tattoos

Three of the four tattoos were done by my wonderful, regular artist, Mav Mess of Deluxe Tattoo in Portland, Oregon. He's absolutely wonderful, folks. I can't speak highly enough of his work.

Enjoy!

My Tattoos: My Dragons

My Tattoos: My Dragons

This is an anklet, on my left ankle. I got the idea from a website with free animations for other websites. This is a "line." Mav Mess at Deluxe Tattoo changed it and made it 1000% better. I love the little yellow horns and the fillagree. There are four dragons total. I probably get more compliments on this one than on the others combined.

My Tattoos: My Turtle

My Tattoos: My Turtle

This is my largest tattoo. It's on my left calf. I got the idea when I saw a rock with a turtle and four Kokopellis painted upon it while searching for some bath towels for my Kokopelli-themed bathroom. I liked the basic idea, but wanted it changed. Mav Mess at Deluxe Tattoo designed it for me after seeing a photo of the rock and hearing my ideas. I love this tattoo.

My Tattoos: My Cover-Up

My Tattoos: My Cover-up

I once had a very ugly heart tattooed here. It was poorly done, and I hated it. This was a very successful cover-up; you can't see any part of the original tattoo at all. It's an odd place for a tattoo; it's on my leg, on the outside of my right knee. I had it covered up by Grinch of Raven Ink Tattoos with this (my only flash) in 1998.

My Tattoos: My Miracle Baby Tattoo

My Tattoos: My Miracle Baby Tattoo.

For three years, Jonathan and I tried to get pregnant with our third child, to no avail. Those years were full of heartache for us both. During that time, a good friend of mine from South Africa, Matt, send me a book of South African aboriginal tribal art. I saw many instances of women surrounded by this symbol. I thought it very lovely, almost like a starfish, in a way. So I decided to get it tattooed on my left wrist. Three weeks later, I found out I was pregnant with Eden! And a few months after that, I found out that my tattoo is actually an ancient fertility symbol. As a result, I always refer to it as "My Miracle Baby Tattoo."

The Legend of the Nastiest Scratcher on Earth

I love message boards. I love tattoos. So it's no surprise that I've found a home of sorts on Tattoo Nation!, a fantastic message board (and website run by the fabulous Starr) on AOL with some of the most supportive and hilarious posters around.

We've told many funny stories over the years....but one incident that happened to me last winter has become legend on the board. Newbies often ask, "Huh?" when we make certain references to it. So in the spirit of both sharing the story with the newbies on the board, and with my ZEN PRETZEL TRICK fans, I bring you.....


THE NASTIEST SCRATCHER ON EARTH


***what follows is my original post on Febuary 2, 2004. For those who aren't in the know, a "scratcher" is an unlicensed and/or unprofessional tattoo artist who doesn't care about your art or your health. They are a scourge on the earth...but in this instance, they are a riot, too.***


Subject: The nastiest scratcher on Earth
Date: 2/8/2004 3:24 A.M. Pacific Standard Time


OK, a warning: this is a really, really nasty story. And not nasty in a fun way, lol.



DH (note:dear husband=Jonathan) and I went to buy some DVDs at Best Buy the other day (got both The Tick and The Critic), and got stuck in a long line. The guy ahead of us had some really bad tattoos. Green and blurry and just poor quality. The only one he had (that I could see) that was nice was an oriental dragon on his arm. My dh has one similar, and when the guy saw it, he struck up a conversation about our ink. Here's the conversation:



DH: Who's your artist?

GUY: Jim _______.

DH: Hmmm...never heard of him. What studio is he out of?

GUY: He works in his garage in North East.

(We exchange a look)

GUY: He's really good, though. I got my best ink from him. And he's real careful and clean. He even lets you see a test run before you get the tat.

ME: What's a test run?

GUY: You give him your design, and he tattoos it on a chicken.

DH: A chicken?

(picturing a man in a garage tattooing a live chicken...BRAWK!)

GUY: You know, a chicken breast.

(awkward pause)

GUY: That way, you know, you can see what it will look like and if you still want it, he'll do it up for you right there.

DH: Not with the same needle, I hope.

GUY: He wipes it off with a Clorox wipe. It's safe. It's not like you can get AIDS from a dead chicken! (laughs)

ME: He doesn't use a clean needle?

GUY: Oh, he will if you want one, but it will cost extra. You should get him to do you up sometime, he's the best.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since the emergence of the Chicken Man on the board, the legend has only grown. It was determined that perhaps chickens were not the starting point. Perhaps, in an effort to economize and practice his "technique," Chicken Man resorted to use of the potato.

The running gag escalated when a drive-by poster arrived, attempting to sell CD's which claimed to teach anyone "how to tattoo." In response to CD Guy, Tattoo Nation regular Donna devised the Nasty Scratcher How-To-Tattoo List:


1) You watch da video.

2) you get a potato

3) you do good wit da potato, you get a chicken breast

4) you do good wit da chicken, you get a live plucked chicken so you know what its like to tattoo a chicken human.

5) you watch da video again

6) you tattoo the person who started dis thread to show them the success of da video.





So there you have it...the next time you're on the board (if you should be so lucky) and see us refer to a "chicken breast" or the "chicken guy," well, you'll be in on the joke. And for those of you who don't peruse AOL's message boards...I hope you got a kick out of it.



And remember me the next time you pick up some KFC.