Tattoos and Physical Disabilities- Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia and Leg Tattoos

My last exciting activity while in Hawaii was getting a new tattoo (sorry grandma!). A year ago, I passed by this tattoo shop and saw flash of a wave. From all of my years swimming, and some family significance in Hawaii, I knew I wanted to get a wave in Hawaii. This week, I want to talk about my experience getting a tattoo on a part of my body that does not respond “typically” to pain and other stimuli.

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I booked this appointment a couple months before my trip so I could schedule it for the last day I was in Hawaii. I chose to do it late at night (7pm Hawaii time) so I could swim during the day, as you can’t swim with a new tattoo for up to two weeks after you get it. I found the shop over a year ago when walking on a hotel property, and they were advertising flash. They told me they were voted the best in Hawaii and while that very easily could be a lie, I very much liked the energy there and came back this year.

Once I got there, I got my stencil made, and chose between two designs. I needed to see a second option to be sure I liked the design I ended up with. What I originally wanted wasn’t a good idea based on how tattoo ink works, and I very much trusted my artist. Once I got my stencil made and chose the size. I then picked placement. This is where I made a risky decision- I chose to get it on the inside of my right ankle. I have 3 other tattoos, but I have never gotten a tattoo on my legs because of my hereditary spastic paraplegia. I always worried I would feel paralysis, or have extreme sensitivity while getting tattooed because my nerves do not always communicate correctly. However, I’ve had an improvement of symptoms compared to when I first started getting tattoos that I decided it was safe to try.

Now, for those of you who know me, I’m chatty. I love talking, and my voice is only the appropriate volume when I am giving a presentation. But for this tattoo, I was only talking an average amount because I had to be really focused on not having clonus, which is an involuntary leg spasm, while getting my tattoo. I could feel it in my right knee and left leg, but I was able to sit for the 30 minutes my tattoo took without having a spasm. And I only moved a couple times from laughing at jokes! I like to think I sit well from tattoos but my tattoo artists might say differently.

I learned from this experience that if I ever want more tattoos on my legs, I need to prep for it. I didn’t tell my tattoo artist because it was a short tattoo session, and I figured I could handle it or vocalize if I could feel I was losing control of my legs. However, for anything longer, I would need to disclose my disability before the session and find ways to work around it. Uncontrollable movement is not compatible with permanent, precise line work and shading, and I would need to come in with a plan in case I had clonus during my appointment. I was close to my limit when the tattoo ended, and I was free to go on my way! I love it, and now I have a piece of Hawaii with me that honors me and my story.

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Thank you for reading about my tattoo experience as someone with a physical disability. If you have any questions or comments, please comment on the blog, reach out at @Anniekrollblog on Instagram or Facebook, or email me at Anniekrollblog@gmail.com. I hope to see you next week!