This is the one about a tattoo.

Posted May 9th, 2009 by Mike Lawson

I went through some diabetic drama the past few weeks, and it really made me think that maybe I should have some sort of diabetic jewelry.

You know, those tacky little medical bracelets that would alert any medical professionals of my insulin-dependence just in case I was unable to do so myself.

I am particularly concerned because last week when Dan was driving me to the hospital, I said some things and was kind of acting a little drunk.  Some things Dan told me I did I don’t even remember doing.  So it would be helpful, I think, to have a little alert…just in case.

And then I start thinking that maybe an “insulin dependent” tattoo would be in order.  I’ve see some good ones and some not so good ones on the Internet.  (My favorite really is the last one in this post.  Simple and clear).

What do you guys think?  Tacky?  And where would I put it?  My wrist?

And really, if I was having some sort of diabetic-related incident that made me belligerent, and uncorporative, do you think a police officer would notice a tattoo or a piece of medical jewelry?  Really?

And I know that EMTs and medical professionals are trained to look for medical alert jewelry…but I really doubt they spend too much time looking for medical alert tattoos.  Right?

And I’ve blogged before (here) about my personal tattoo policy.  Before I ever get a tattoo (and I’m currently tat free) I must complete a three step process:

1. Come up with a design. Nothing iffy. It has to be on paper (or in a photoshop file). The thought, “I want a Chinese character” or “I’d like something that reminds me of my kids,” isn’t specific enough.
2. You have two weeks to improve it. This design is going to be on you forever. In the next two weeks make changes to it. Re-design it. Use a different font. Perfect it.
3. Hibernate it. Put it away, but don’t forget about it. You need to sit on the design for one year. If you still want to put this design on your body 365 days after you originally came up with it, do it.

So I guess I’ll get started on that process.  It’s been pretty effective in keeping me ink-free so far.