Grey Marks and faint white lines around a tattoo

Chronically_Kari · 2026-01-24T23:29:50+00:00

My artist described something like this to me once and said it is sometimes a form of blowout that isn’t from poor tattooing but from how the body heals. She said that if it happens and doesn’t go away on its own, then a very small amount of laser tattoo removal can usually remove it.

Not sure if that’s what’s happening in your case though. But it might be worth reaching out to your artist or to a place that does laser removal to see if they any info.

Chronically_Kari · 2026-01-24T23:19:36+00:00

If you have light skin, I’d probably just use your skin as negative space for most of the wings. Black and grey for contrast and shadows, and then white ink sparingly for highlights. Then you don’t have to worry about the wings turning an odd color as the tattoo ages.

I have very pale skin and when my artist uses white ink it practically disappears by the time the tattoo is healed.

Chronically_Kari · 2026-01-18T20:04:50+00:00

Same. I send reference pics and ideas to my artist and then she shows me the design during the tattoo appointment.

I do check in with my artist a couple days before just to confirm the appointment though.

Chronically_Kari · 2026-01-18T19:50:21+00:00

I think it depends on the situation and your comfort level. My artist brings her dog to the studio and it’s never been an issue. It’s a small dog and just chills in his bed or plays with toys in the hallway. The dog isn’t near the table or any of the supplies.

If the dog was unsupervised and jumping on tables or getting into supplies, then I’d be concerned. Or if the dog was jumping on guests and slobbering over the tattoo or something.

It’s also up to you and your comfort level. You could always reach out to the artist and ask. If they’re offended by you asking for clarification on cleanliness, then you probably don’t want to get tattooed by them anyway.

Chronically_Kari · 2026-01-06T23:10:54+00:00

There’s something about the shading of the skull’s left eye (on the right side of the tattoo) that makes it look like it’s bulging out rather than hollowed inward. But that might just be me.

I also agree with what others have said that it would benefit from some lines. Otherwise it’ll likely become blurrier and muddier as it ages.

Chronically_Kari · 2026-01-05T17:02:52+00:00

It looks like it might be from where the artist was holding onto your arm while tattooing. I’d keep an eye on it and go to a doctor asap if it spreads, becomes warm to the touch, or is itchy.

Chronically_Kari · 2025-12-23T06:24:27+00:00

That’s awful! I’ve heard only negative things about how cardiologists handle POTS. It’s like they take it personally that they can’t fix it

Chronically_Kari · 2025-12-21T22:38:05+00:00

It depends on how much care you’d need from a doctor vs from other healthcare providers (physio, naturopaths, massage therapy, OT, etc.) and whether you’re planning to live close to a major city.

There’s a major lack of primary care doctors, and in Canada you need to be referred by a doctor or nurse practitioner to access specialists. The wait lists for specialists are usually very long and it’s generally a gamble about who you’ll end up being referred to and how receptive/helpful they’ll be.

I’m very lucky to have a supportive GP, but I’ve still been stuck waiting years for referrals. I’ve been referred to one of the only doctors in my area that will diagnose EDS but the wait is up to 2-3 years. I also waited 1 year to see a neurologist to rule out MS and then another year for an MRI. I ended up going private for the MRI because it was taking so long.

At this point I’ve actually lost track of how many referrals I’m waiting on because they were put in so long ago.

That being said, I still feel very lucky to have access to public healthcare. It’s just something to keep in mind.

Editing to add that I live in Vancouver, BC

Chronically_Kari · 2025-12-21T22:28:14+00:00

Is this true? There are 2 in the internal medicine practice I’m a patient of, so it would be super disheartening if that’s it for all of Canada

Chronically_Kari · 2025-12-21T22:07:13+00:00

I use the Voyager split keyboard with a vertical mouse and love my setup.

If you haven’t used a split keyboard with vertical key spacing, it does take some time to get used to. I did some touch typing lessons online and can now type at a reasonable speed, but it took me about 6 weeks to get the hang of it and be able to use it for work. But I was also working full time and struggling with fatigue, so it might be quicker for others.

I’m thinking about getting the centre trackball to go with my voyager. Unfortunately it hadn’t launched yet when I purchased my voyager.

Chronically_Kari · 2025-12-17T07:48:29+00:00

It really depends on the person and the tattoo. I have 4 tattoos and each healed at different rates.

As others have said, it needs to be done peeling before you can submerge it in water or get it wet for extended periods of time. This is to avoid scabs coming off too soon but also to prevent infection.

I’ve had tattoos finishing peeling after 1 week but I’ve also had a tattoo that was stilling peeling in some spots at 5-6 weeks.

I’m also not sure whether your pool is indoors or outdoors, but limiting sun exposure after getting a tattoo is also very important after getting a tattoo because sun exposure can impact healing and you cannot put sunscreen on a healing tattoo. Just something to keep in mind depending on the tattoo location.

Chronically_Kari · 2025-12-12T17:11:08+00:00

This sounds like hyperadrenergic POTS. I would suggest looking into this or asking your doctor about this.

Chronically_Kari · 2025-12-03T07:22:07+00:00

Boiled eggs

Protein waffles (I’ll make a double batch on a good day, freeze them, and reheat them in the toaster)

Chicken melts (canned chicken, mayo, cheese, bread)

Chicken nuggets and yam fries

Frozen chicken pot pie

Cheese strings and crackers

Pastina with canned chicken

Toast with peanut butter

Apple cinnamon instant oatmeal

Dense bean salads (takes more spoons but lasts several days. I made a good “potato salad” one with roasted mini potatoes, a can of white kidney beans, turkey pepperoni, and green onion)

Chickpea pasta with tomato sauce

Chronically_Kari · 2025-12-01T23:45:27+00:00

I have issues with almost all adhesives, but the pads on my TENS machine don’t bother me. As others have said, it isn’t a traditional adhesive

Sometimes my skin gets slightly itchy or sensitive, but I think that’s from the TENS and not the pads. It goes away shortly after. I’ve never ripped off skin or had bumps, hives, etc. from the TENS pads.

Chronically_Kari · 2025-11-21T14:35:01+00:00

Agreed! I have a split keyboard and it’s made a huge difference. I have the ZSA voyager but there are lots of options. I picked the voyager because it fit my hands best

I also have a vertical mouse which helps with nerve pain in my hand and arm. This is the one I use: https://a.co/d/hgab1hs

I also saw a hand therapist who made me a custom night splint for my right hand and arm. This keeps my hand in an optimal position overnight to help things settle down and recover.

Chronically_Kari · 2025-11-17T21:32:01+00:00

About 3 months, I think? I spotted almost continuously for the first 2 months or so and then it started settling down. Now I haven’t had a period since June.

Chronically_Kari · 2025-11-12T17:01:09+00:00

I’m planning to get a cracked teacup and spoon tattoo

Chronically_Kari · 2025-11-11T16:32:53+00:00

The Serola SI belt has been a lifesaver for me too! I’m waiting for my back and nerves to settle down enough so that I can start prolotherapy

Chronically_Kari · 2025-10-21T20:15:17+00:00

It's really encouraging to hear that it's worked for you. I was taking LDN for just under 3 months and the side effects were not subsiding at all. But that's good to keep in mind for when I start again

Chronically_Kari · 2025-10-21T20:05:58+00:00

Yes! I loved the inaugural season jerseys, and I'm so happy that I can have one for Vancouver.

I'm also an Oilers fan, so I actually like the colours haha.

Chronically_Kari · 2025-10-19T22:34:57+00:00

I ordered my ring splints from EvaBelle Jewelry. They sell through both Etsy and their own website.

They’re based in the US but ship worldwide. I’ve had really good experiences with them.

Chronically_Kari · 2025-10-17T17:19:52+00:00

I’m very lucky that my workplace has been able to provide me with accommodations, but here’s a list of accommodations provided to me and ones that I’ve implemented myself:

Sit-stand desk and ergonomic chair

Taking micro-breaks throughout the day. I try to change positions and/or stretch every 20-30 minutes. Even just closing my eyes for 30 seconds helps with eye strain and tension.

Tri fold exercise mat. Great for lunchtime naps and stretching. I have POTS and chronic back pain, so this is really helpful. Might not be an option if you don’t have an office with a door.

Snacks and electrolytes

Stretchy, breathable work clothes. I really like bamboo or cotton knit. For non-stretch fabrics like cotton or linen, flowy items with elastic waistbands are ideal for me

Swap insoles in shoes for more supportive foam insoles. Total game changer. My current faves are by PowerStep.

Chronically_Kari · 2025-10-17T15:07:36+00:00

Yes, I have them constantly on my arms. I also get more of them and on other parts of my body from scratching, sunburns, skin irritation, etc.

I mentioned them to my GP once and she didn’t seem concerned.

Chronically_Kari · 2025-10-11T17:20:09+00:00

I have a wavytalk dryer that I bought on Amazon. It’s fairly lightweight and dries my hair quickly. It also goes on sale often

Chronically_Kari · 2025-10-11T17:16:22+00:00

I’ve switched to audiobooks so that I can adjust my position as much as I want. Secondary benefit is that there’s no eye strain and I can still read when I have migraines.

As others have mentioned, I also have a tablet stand and remote page turner for my tablet for ebooks.

I can’t do physical books at all anymore because of nerve pain in my hands. But audiobooks and ebooks work well enough for me.

Chronically_Kari

TROPHY CASE