I got my first tattoo when I was 16. It was on my inner left wrist and read: Anarchy + Peace = Happiness, well, in symbols. I went to a friend's shop, and unfortunately, the quality of ink was low and it has since faded. (My idealist thinking still believes the tattoo to be true, but my realistic thinking knows that people are inherently greedy.)
I didn't do it for rebellion's sake. When I was 14, I was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. My kidneys apparently hadn't grown since I was born- a fluke. I started growing my immense collection of abdominal scars then. I was on dialysis, so there was a peritoneal catheter (look up CAPD if you want, or just ask) placed in my abdomen. When I was 15, my mom gave me a kidney. Transplanted kidneys are placed in the lower abdomen to the side in hopes that the hip bones give partial protection to the new organ. That lasted for three years, and I went on hemodialysis, where I got a graft placed on my upper arm.
Long story short, 4 kidney transplants, 3 transplanted kidney removals, and about 10 years total of dialysis later, along with a laproscopic gall bladder removal, I have A LOT of scars, from my neck down to my upper thighs, and both arms. I don't hide my battle scars. I'm proud of them.
I went through my own personal hell getting these scars, and I hated that I had these permanent body markings that I didn't chose to have. That started my love of body modification. By 18, I had a total of 3 tattoos. Now, I have just 5 tattoos, but if I had more money, I have so many ideas...
Tattoos and scars can be seen in the same light. Both are a visual timeline. I can tell you what was going on in my life with every part of a tattoo and every scar. I am very proud of my tattoos and scars, and even if I could take any of it back, I wouldn't.
Visual Timelines on My Body
By sonja - Posted on March 6th, 2008
People like you make me want to go to work each day. I am studing and doing research with tissue engineering. I try to spread awareness about organ and tissue donation while I'm at it, because until we can perfect artificial tissues there is no need for viable organs to be stored safely in a casket for all eternity.
When people ask questions about my scars, I always ask if they've signed their donor cards. It's not for me, obviously, but I do know what it's like to wait, and I've also watched people die waiting. It's completely unnecessary. I think you should have to sign something to stop them from taking organs and tissue.
-Sonja :)
I am impressed with your positive outlook and continued confidence with your body. I agree that body scars and tattoos are a life time line, and i also enjoy revealing my stories behind my scars and tattoos. I appreciate you revealing some very personal issues with your transplants.
That is great to share your story with everyone. I guess tattoos and scars are similar. I understand some what about the renal failure because my mom had that when she was in a coma. She was on dialysis for about 24 hours a day on the little machine. I learned so much in just the 3 weeks I was practically living at the hospital with my mom.That must be hard going through that but at least it is over, things that happen in life make everyone stronger.
Something people should know about:
http://www.progressiveu.org/032913-lupus-uncureable-wait-what
i just had to respond to this blog, because i feel the exact same way about my scars and tattoos. I had two tattoos before i found out that i had end stage renal disease. I started dialysis when i was 21, and so i have two scars from the initial cathedor they use in your upper chest area, followed by a scar from open heart surgery that runs all the way down the center of my chest, and has three nice circles under it that drainage tubes came out of. After that, i had fluid build up in my lungs which left me with three sweet gigantic circle scars on my left side. I also have a fistula placed in my left arm which leaves me with a scar there, and all of the "track mark" looking spots where they put the needles in. I just recently got a transplant.. like two weeks ago.. yay... and now i have that scar to celebrate. I am planning to get a tattoo very close to it to celebrate my transplant! Good luck to you, and its nice to hear someone who has a similar story!!!
hi my names chris im 23 m uk and have been suffering from chronic renal failure since birth. I have undergone 3 kidney transplants by the time i was 13 and currently attending hemodialysis 3 times a week while awaiting the last test for my dad to be a living donor. I have been lookin for a good year about gettin a tattoo to show what i have been through but i dont want it to reduce the risk of me recieving my dads kidney.
I would be very greatful if u could help me with my situation and hope everythin is well
chris