Getting inked knocks me out.

June 19, 2007 8:54 AM

I like tattoos, but I pass out when I get them. Is this preventable, and if not, is there any harm if they keep inking while I'm out?

So far I only have two (actually 3, but the 3rd covers the 2nd). 1 & 2 were ten-minute line art & text pieces during which I felt nauseous, and during #3, which probably took an hour, I passed out completely. As a result I think they hurried the finish and while the quality is acceptable I know it could have been better. If I want to get more - which I do - what's the protocol here? I can't be the only one.

posted by andifsohow to grab bag (22 comments total)

Do you have any problems with other needle-related activities like vaccines, shots, donating blood and allergy tests? Needle phobia?

I would see no harm in them continuing to tattoo you while you're passed out, however there is the chance that you might wake up and suddenly jolt them - which could end up in tragedy. However, I have fallen asleep during a tattoo session and no harm no foul.
posted by banannafish at 9:00 AM on June 19, 2007

I think that you should look into meditation, hypnosis and biofeedback techniques, which have proven valuable in helping people endure or overcome pain.
posted by hermitosis at 9:02 AM on June 19, 2007

Assuming you're hyperventilating (it happens to a lot of people when they get tattooed), yes, it's preventable - breathe. Breathe deeply and if you start feeling even the slightest bit lightheaded, tell the artist to stop, drink some water, and get yourself back.
posted by cmonkey at 9:04 AM on June 19, 2007

Thanks - I don't generally like needles, but I don't pass out from simple blood tests or shots. Once, but I attribute that to them having a hard time finding a vein and it actually being about the sixth shot in ten minutes.
posted by andifsohow at 9:06 AM on June 19, 2007

Your blood sugar level drops when you are getting a tat. Have a candy bar and/or a sweet drink ready. Try it next time -- surprised that the tattooist did not suggest this.
posted by omnidrew at 9:17 AM on June 19, 2007

Yeah, the tattooist should know better. I always bring a bottle of orange juice with me when I get work done just in case.
posted by youcancallmeal at 9:23 AM on June 19, 2007

I feel bad for whoever you have doing your work for you. most artists i know do not look kindly on this sort of behavior. i'd say almost anyone worth getting work from if you actually care about real quality, when told about your situation before hand would refuse your business.

maybe its a sign that tattoos aren't really for you. i'd take it as such.
posted by teishu at 9:30 AM on June 19, 2007

maybe its a sign that tattoos aren't really for you. i'd take it as such.

That isn't true at all. I nearly passed out during my second (luckily I had an artist who didn't mind stopping, getting me water and telling me to breathe correctly), and I love getting tattooed. It happens to everyone.
posted by cmonkey at 9:41 AM on June 19, 2007

Are you eating a good meal beforehand? Are you on any bloodthining agents?

I am covered in tattoos, and during long sessions (5-7 hours) we take a few short breaks to pee, drink some water, and eat a little nibbly. It really does help.

And, the shops should have orange juice, soda, candy or glucose tablets on hand in case clients do pass out.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 9:43 AM on June 19, 2007

definitely low blood sugar. happens a lot. drink some oj.
posted by wayward vagabond at 9:44 AM on June 19, 2007

I got sick in the middle of my tattoo, and of course they did stop. You should really eat something small and bring something to drink with you. Also, let them know in advance so that they give you more breaks in between.

I don't think they will continue to tattoo you while you are out for saftey/ law related reasons. At least that is what I assume, but you know what they say about assuming things...

Just try not to throw up during it, they called me "Pukey" for the rest of the evening. That was NOT fun!
posted by slc228 at 9:45 AM on June 19, 2007

Do you eat before going for your session? It's extremely important to not have an empty stomach. If your blood sugar drops too low, that will make you pass out.

The advice above about making sure you're continuing to breathe and bringing a candy bar or some juice with you are key. If you think it will help, learn some meditation-like breathing and you can focus on that while you're getting work done.

If you're starting to feel like you might be sick or pass out, tell your artist and take a break. You shouldn't sit there feeling horrible only to be sick or pass out on the person working on you. Keep them in the loop about what's going on.

Oh...and don't get tattooed while you're passed out. If your body is telling you to temporarily stop, you should listen to it.
posted by plaingurl at 9:46 AM on June 19, 2007

I've had six 6+ hour sessions and I tend to be an anxious person. So what I do is prepare, prepare, prepare.

The day before, I eat super healthy foods—nothing processed or greasy. I don't drink alcohol. I make sure I get a *really* good nights rest (makes a huge difference). I reschedule if I am on my period, feeling ill, or otherwise miserable.

Then, before the appointment, I eat a big, healthy meal and go to the grocery store afterwards. I stock up on fluids and healthy salty AND sugary snacks that I can munch on during the appt. It's important to keep hydrating and keep ingesting things to keep all your body levels kosher.

What I do is overkill, but it ensures that I have nothing to worry about. That way, my job is to focus on breathing (I have to constantly tell myself to stop holding my breath...which is conveniently impossible if you keep snacking!)

Oh, and I find that, if possible, it helps to watch him work. If you can locate the precise point of where the pain is coming from then your eyes take some of the "load" off your sense of touch...which is on overdrive. Seems strange, but I find it works because then I'm not relying solely on the pain sensations to tell me what's going on.
posted by iamkimiam at 9:52 AM on June 19, 2007

A reputable tattooist will not tattoo an unconscious person. IMHO your first step should be to find another tattooist.
posted by scratch at 10:05 AM on June 19, 2007

Could be Vasovagal syncope, or as I like to call it (in a dramatic Scarlett O'Hara tone) "the vapors."
posted by togdon at 10:06 AM on June 19, 2007

There are at least two possible causes for your problem: blood sugar issues and anxiety issues.

The former can be solved by eating a nice healthy meal an hour or two beforehand, and then keeping a candy bar and juice at hand during the tattoo -- as well as being very communicative with your artist. The more warning you give them about your condition, the better.

(And honestly, if your artist gives you flack about your passing out, you might be better served finding one who cares more about customer service. I worked at a busy shop for about fourteen months, and this happens all the time. An experienced, professional artist won't find it a big deal. They'll help you get through it -- after all, they really do want to take your money! At least you don't piss yourself when you pass out, as happened to one of my former coworkers' clients last week. Aaaand then he didn't tip!)

The latter? Since you have slight problems with blood draws, that's what I suspect. (Then again, I'm not a doctor or a tattoo artist or any such useful person -- just an armchair psychologist.) You've possibly developed something similar to a needle phobia. In that case, your best bet is looking into breathing exercises, as cmonkey and hermitosis mention above, or other such anxiety-coping mechanisms. It's even possible that your anxiety is self-perpetuating. If you find it's truly affection your quality of life, then perhaps get then hence to a therapist.

The most important thing if you forge ahead with your body art -- and I really recommend you do, if this is something you love -- is clear and open communication with your artist. Tell them that you've passed out in the past and help them be aware of your physical condition.

(I actually have my own serious anxiety issues with being tattooed and pierced now, thanks to a less-than-stellar parting with my former employer. While I truly trust my old coworkers, just going up to the shop to visit or even reading about tattoo experiences like right now can make me feel nauseated and panicky. It's humiliating; I had hours and hours of work with no problem at all, and now I get dizzy during a freakin' cartilage piercing. Gah.)
posted by weatherworn at 10:14 AM on June 19, 2007

Goddamn motherfucking shit. Fourth paragraph: affection = affecting.
posted by weatherworn at 10:16 AM on June 19, 2007

is there any harm if they keep inking while I'm out?

It might not do any harm in your case, but the tattoo artist is not in a position to properly make that judgement. They should err on the side of caution and stop.
posted by winston at 10:30 AM on June 19, 2007

Thanks folks - lots of good answers here.
posted by andifsohow at 10:40 AM on June 19, 2007

If you feel you are are hyperventilating (quick, shallow breaths), breathe into a paper bag to balance out your CO2/O2 levels.
posted by radioamy at 12:57 PM on June 19, 2007

I think togdon's nailed it with the vasovagal. I have it and I faint frequently, including while getting tattooed. It's a purely physiological thing, so eating a good meal and relaxing might help but won't necessarily prevent an incident. When I feel it coming on, I stop whatever I'm doing and put my head down, and wait for the feeling to pass.
I agree with everyone who suggested that you be up front with your tattoo artist and that he/she shouldn't do work while you're slumped over, mostly becuase you might jerk awake. When the fuzzy feeling starts setting in, take a break, put your head down, sip some water, and wait for it to pass. Then, continue, pausing again as needed. Might take a while longer, but it's probably the best way to overcome the problem.
posted by emd3737 at 2:55 PM on June 19, 2007

I have needle phobia and my handy-dandy anti-anxiety pills helped me deal with both a blood draw and a piercing this week.
posted by sugarfish at 3:24 PM on June 19, 2007