Oh no, tattoo screw up!!!

Options
Carmie70
Carmie70 Member Posts: 5
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

So I am a newbie here and this is my first post.  Please forgive me not knowing all the abbreviations and such.  anyway I had a bilateral mastectomy one year ago for dcis and tested positive for braca 1.  A couple months ago I decided to mark my journey by getting a very subtle tattoo on my wrist. I am such an idiot, without thinking I had the tattoo done on the wrist of the arm that had the sentinel node biopsy.  I did not have any complications or infections but know I'm scared I have done damage!!  PLS HELP!!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Jennie93
    Jennie93 Member Posts: 1,018
    edited April 2014

    If your tattoo was a couple of months ago, and you have not had any swelling or other symptoms, I would think it's pretty unlikely that it did any harm.  

    Definitely keep the precautions in mind in the future, though.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TB90
    TB90 Member Posts: 992
    edited April 2014

    I agree with Jennie.  It seems like you will be just fine.  Now stop worrying as there is nothing you can do now anyhow.  Enjoy your tattoo.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited April 2014

    If something would have happened because of the tattoo, it would have happened by now.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Carmie70
    Carmie70 Member Posts: 5
    edited April 2014

    Thanks Ladies, I'm just so angry with myself for being so careless.  Between my husband, raising two children and work I get a bit distracted to say the least.  I'm glad I found this site and wish I would have joined sooner.  I'm just a worry wart (of course now I think my arm is swollen and tingly)  all in my head I guess.  Anyway thanks for your input. :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2014

    Carmie, it's makes good sense to ask any one of your doctors to refer you to a well-qualified lymphedema therapist for an evaluation. It will put your mind at ease, give you personalized risk reduction strategies and, if there's any problem, start you early on getting it under control. Here's how to find one near you:

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified...

    Do NOT ignore the tingly feelings, as those can very well be the earliest indication of trouble brewing, and getting help promptly makes managing it so much easier in the future. We all feel sorta crazy when we worry about our arms, but best to trust yourself and get it checked out

    Might be a good idea to get yourself a medical alert bracelet for that arm as a reminder to you--and to your healthcare team--that the arm is off limits. 

    Be well!
    Binney

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Carmie70
    Carmie70 Member Posts: 5
    edited April 2014

    Saw my surgeon today.  He said I have subtle lymphedema and is sending me to a lymphedema specialist.  He mentioned getting a sleeve, but told me because it is not severe I probably wouldn't need to wear it 24/7.  Can you sleep with one of the sleeves on?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited April 2014

    There are day garments and night garments which work on different principles.  Day garments are designed for 'active' time - when you're moving around.   Night garments are designed for 'passive' time - sleeping time. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories