Anxiety always takes over - tattoo scare

[Overthinkingmum]

Hi, I am new to this forum . I used to be on another forum but have been great with anxiety lately and it seems my account is no longer. Anyways this week it seems my anxiety is back with avengence.

I was with a co worker while she got a tattoo a few weeks ago and I On impulse decided to get on with her - bad idea. A week after I have swollen lymph node right beside the tattoo ( the tattoo was on neck ) and now 2 weeks later I'm vomiting having muscle aches and diarrhoea. Of course I am thinking the worst . I have two kids and have been crazy in tears . I actually messages the tattoo parlour being what I feel was very rude as asking how they clean there equipment . The tattooist took the time to assure me the needles are one use only and everything else new every client no exceptions . This make me feel better br then of course anxiety voice kids in that any tattoo parlour wouldn admit to not having changed things and I'm back on the hep c and hiv wagon. Why does my mind do this and is there anyone at all who can ease my mind . I'm in a state of panic

[JessF]

Hello Overthinkingmum, welcome... have you been to see a doctor? It sounds probably like you have just picked up the flu (my glands in my neck always swell up when I have a bad cold) but it doesn't sound pleasant.

[Neil_1]

Hi there OTM

Welcome to Beyond Blue and thank you for posting.

Jess has provided you with a good response and I would like to back up her suggestion for getting along to a doctor.

I have many tatts myself and have only ever come away with a feeling of pride and satisfaction for the beautiful piece of art that now is a part of me for the rest of my life. I do hope that you’ll be able to love and enjoy your tatt in time to come as well.

Did your friend come down with any kind of sickness?

Kind regards

Neil

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Overthinkingmum,

The risks of contracting something so serious from the tattoo is extremely unlikely; and I'm pleased that your tattoo artist was able to reassure you of the use of clean and sterilised equipment.

The best way to put your mind at ease though is to go straight to the GP. This way, you will get credible information and you will know for sure what's going on; there are a number of different things that might be present (unrelated to the tattoo) - but having a professional will help to rule that out and put your mind at ease.

You also mentioned that you've had anxiety before; so try to keep using the techniques that might have worked for you in the past; check your thoughts; remember to breathe; remind yourself there is no reason to panic.