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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does getting a tattoo with fibro hurt?

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Paxton, MA

I am going in next week to get a consult on a fibromyalgia inspired tattoo. I wanted to know if anyone else has gotten tattoos and if it hurt really bad with their fibro? I have also heard that they have a numbing cream and I wanted to know if it was worth it. I appreciate anyone's stories because I really want this but am getting very nervous!

February 26, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members with fibromyalgia shared widely varied experiences getting tattoos, with some reporting minimal discomfort or even falling asleep... Read more

Members with fibromyalgia shared widely varied experiences getting tattoos, with some reporting minimal discomfort or even falling asleep during the process, while others described intense, almost unbearable pain that left them tensing up and vowing never to get another. Several members offered practical advice, including requesting numbing cream (which many artists offer but not all), choosing fleshier areas over bony spots like ribs, ankles, or wrists, starting with a small test tattoo to gauge your personal pain tolerance, and communicating openly with the artist about fibromyalgia so they can provide breaks and distractions as needed. A recurring theme was that living with fibromyalgia pain daily may actually make the tattoo experience more manageable for some, though placement, individual pain thresholds, and whether you're in a flare all play significant roles in how tolerable the process will be.

A MyFibroTeam Member

4 of mine are on my inner arms... They didn't hurt much but a little more then my first two... It just feels like little pin pricks not too painful at all!! I agree with @A MyFibroTeam Member. But most of the time the artist will distract you from what's going on. They usually ask what's the story behind the piece, or what made you want to get what you are getting. They are very good at doing that. If I were you just to try it out, get a small tattoo on the inside of your wrist. To me it didn't hurt at all. If it hurt too much then you know it's not for you. They will stop when you say stop, they will give you breaks if you need one and they offer you bottles of water if needed. That's why they have you sign a waiver at the beginning before they start anything.

February 27, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have tattoos and the last one I got really really hurt. It is above my butt and I thought I was going to cry but I have 5 and I still want to get one more to honor my dad's passing. So I guess it depends where and if you can stand the pain becuz they do hurt.

February 26, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have a high pain tolerance too. In fact yesterday I had a test for carpal tunnel and it was no big thing. The Dr said some people can't take the pain. Lol. What pain? I'm happy you were smart and got a small one to begin with. SMART MOVE

March 5, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have not had a problem with getting my tattoo but I do no have the kind of fibro that hurts with light touch.

March 1, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Cool didnt know about the cream I'll have to ask about it b extra tattoo

March 1, 2016

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