Can I get a kidney transplant if I have tattoos?

[Mindy73]

I asked my nephrologist if I could get tattoos before I got them and he said yes so I did. But come to find out I'm allergic to the ink and keep getting rashes on them so I called to make an appointment with my family doctor but she was on vacation so I made an appointment with the nurse practitioner and she is very anti-tattoo and scolded me for probably an hour and told me that they will not let me get a transplant because I have tattoos (I'm waiting for a phone call from the transplant center now). I told her that I got permission from my kidney doctor first and she said that she's been in this business for over 30 years. So, who is right? Will they really turn me away because I have tattoos?

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

This is just me, but I do know people that have gotten transplants and had tattoos prior to their transplant surgery. So I do not think that would rule you out for a transplant. Now, of course that rash would have to be cured. The rash and the immunosuppressants are not a good mix. I would think that PCP could cure the rash, since it is probably some kind of inflammation due to the ink allergy.

Let us know what your transplant center tells you. But, like I said I can't believe they would turn you down because of tattoos. Get treatment for the rash, though.

[Mindy73 in reply to WYOAnne]

She gave me a prescription cream for it and she said if it doesn't work she would send me to a dermatologist. I understand what your saying about them not being able to do it if I have a rash, hopefully we can get that taken care of. Thank you for answering me, I feel a lot better now.

[Dara3351]

I remember while I was in the hospital before the transplant and they thoroughly checked my body for any rash and open sores. Hope the cream helps.

[Mindy73 in reply to Dara3351]

It is! I woke up this morning and it is already better, thanks!

[Cazzy41]

I have tattoos and yes I had a transplant 19 months ago. Also when your blood work is back to normal afterwards you can also have more 😁

[Mindy73 in reply to Cazzy41]

I love hearing that because I was wanting to add more to the ones I already have. Thank you!

[Cazzy41 in reply to Mindy73]

Just take things easy and your time will come hunny xxx

[Mindy73 in reply to Cazzy41]

Thank you

[Cazzy41 in reply to Mindy73]

Anytime. Please keep me posted on how you get on, and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask x

[Mindy73 in reply to Cazzy41]

Thanks, will do!

[ninaporter]

I have tattoos and was transplanted 8 years ago.

[Mindy73 in reply to ninaporter]

Awesome! Thanks!

[marcyc NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador]

Tattoos carry risks of infections both skin and hepatitis, hiv etc. They would not do the transplant with an active infection. The tattoo is not what would exclude you but an infection might delay or stop progress toward your goal. I am sorry the NP lectured you. I am a RN and don’t understand why someone would take the risk with a transplant but everyone makes choices. I hope your Nephrologist fully informed you of the risk. Best of luck.

[Mindy73 in reply to marcyc]

The rash is gone. My nephrologist didn't, he just said he didn't care if I got tattoos. But I will wait till I go to IU Med for my transplant evaluation and talk to them before I get anymore. Thanks for answering.

[marcyc NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador in reply to Mindy73]

I wouldn’t worry. They test you for everything.

[Mindy73 in reply to marcyc]

Thanks 🙂

[marcyc NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador in reply to Mindy73]

And ps my husband’s Nephrologist has tattoos lol.

[Mindy73 in reply to marcyc]

So cool!

[Gotthecall_123]

I was told no problem just dont go nuts😂😂

[Mindy73 in reply to Gotthecall_123]

Yeah, I asked the social worker during my evaluation and she told me I was fine, no problem. Which is great because I'm getting another one : )

[Gotthecall_123]

I just posted my tattoo in transplant group 💪🙏😛

[alanteague]

Absolutely not. I have and so do thousands of others have tattoos and a transplant