tattoo in preparation for transition

[awilliams1701]

From what I've heard there is going to be a lot of pain in the transition. Since I'm not used to pain, I figured maybe I should get a cutesy tattoo of like a paw print on my ass or something like that. I've never done anything like that and I've heard it can be painful. I figure it could beneficial and if its on my ass its not going to be one of those things I regret later in life. If this sounds familiar to anyone then there probably a reason. There is a non nude model named Nikki Sims (aka next door Nikki or Nikki playmates) that has this exact tattoo. Ive always been fascinated by it.

[PoeticHeart]

Sounds like a plan.

Tattoos hurt. Period. There are parts of your body that will be less sensitive to the pain than others. The one I have is on the underside of my right forearm and the way I would describe the sensation would be... a slightly painful vibration. The pain was more intense near the wrist, which I've heard was to be expected. I'm utterly addicted to them now.

The thing I want to point out is the endorphin/adrenaline rush that comes with tattoos. Once it's done, you will probably get sent on a high (or at least I did). I wouldn't expect this high to come with the day to day maintenance of transition related pain.

[Sincerely Tegan]

From what I've heard there is going to be a lot of pain in the transition. Since I'm not used to pain, I figured maybe I should get a cutesy tattoo of like a paw print on my ass or something like that. I've never done anything like that and I've heard it can be painful. I figure it could beneficial and if its on my ass its not going to be one of those things I regret later in life. If this sounds familiar to anyone then there probably a reason. There is a non nude model named Nikki Sims (aka next door Nikki or Nikki playmates) that has this exact tattoo. Ive always been fascinated by it.

I know Nikki Sims; she's a little hottie.

Anyway, what physical pain are you referring to re: transition? Just curious.

Anyway, if you have more in-depth tattoo questions, my wife an I are pretty inked up, and I'd be happy to chat with you if you PM.

Cheers,
Teg

[mrs izzy]

From what I've heard there is going to be a lot of pain in the transition. Since I'm not used to pain

Nice female type tattoo is something that can help but not in the way you are hoping.

Transition is a totally different pain.

Its the inside tear your guts out emotional pain. The crying for hrs over the hurt inside your soul.

The your mind will not settle and keep racing and racing.

If you do not look forward and get past all this the darkness will settle in around you and kick you when you are down.

Going through full transition is the hardest thing you will ever do in your life if it truly is your path that you must walk.

Society will be against you all the way. If you are lucky you will have some close family and friends who care about you that will offer support the best they can.

Many see being transgender through rose colored glasses and these are the ones who hit bottom hard.

Again you are on track with having a gender therapist. Work out each step and be ready. Just be ready.

There is truly a light at the end of the tunnel, just a very long walk to get there.

Hugs
Isabell

[awilliams1701]

Actually I already have a ton of experience dealing with emotional pain. I'm talking about the pain of growing breasts, laser and electrolysis, the pain experienced just after the operation, and the pain from FFS if I need that. I've never had anything even remotely invasive done to me. The closest thing I can think of was about 14 years ago donating blood. I was eventually told not to because I kept getting black tunnel vision.

[mrs izzy]

Actually I already have a ton of experience dealing with emotional pain. I'm talking about the pain of growing breasts, laser and electrolysis, the pain experienced just after the operation, and the pain from FFS if I need that. I've never had anything even remotely invasive done to me. The closest thing I can think of was about 14 years ago donating blood. I was eventually told not to because I kept getting black tunnel vision.

If you never wear a beard I would just spend the money on laser or electrolysis and be ahead.

Just me.

[Sincerely Tegan]

Actually I already have a ton of experience dealing with emotional pain. I'm talking about the pain of growing breasts, laser and electrolysis, the pain experienced just after the operation, and the pain from FFS if I need that. I've never had anything even remotely invasive done to me. The closest thing I can think of was about 14 years ago donating blood. I was eventually told not to because I kept getting black tunnel vision.

Well, you aren't made of glass, right? Ever been in a fight? Gotten your eye bunged up a bit or a swollen lip? It's all about the same, comparatively speaking. It heals, it's temporary.

Tattoos can sting like a mother, but then you get to be the canvas for that art for life. Electrolysis feels like little hornet stings, but it's quick and heals fine. And plastic surgery? Well, as I've been led to understand it feels a lot like getting beaten up pretty badly. It heals.

By all means, get the tattoo if you want it, but it probably won't be anything more than a marker for you, a reminder of the time when you were prepping for the big changes.

Honestly, if you can deal with emotional pain, you really shouldn't worry so much about the physical. It just doesn't go as deep.

-Tegs

[luna nyan]

Just save the money and go and have electro done! 

My personal though is that there are enough costs involved with transition that spending it on something you might regret later sounds like a waste.

[Ms Grace]

The real physical pain is in electrolysis and, I imagine facial surgery and genital surgery. Waxing and laser is a bit painful, growing boobs is more about sensitivity than pain (except for when you bump them, but you learn not to do that real quick). I haven't had a tat, but I'm told electrolysis is worse, although laser removal of a tat is worse than electrolysis...so if you're after a "taste" you could always get a tat then zap it off. Personally I'd suggest your money is better spent on beard removal, you'll work out how much it hurts pretty quickly.

[suzifrommd]

Get a tat if you want, but only if you want to wear one.

As far as pain, I'd suggest studying pain control techniques. Mindfulness meditation has been really helpful for me.

[awilliams1701]

I've never done any of those things. I've always avoided injury. I bent a bone once in the 5th grade. I don't recall what that was like though.
I also don't see me regretting a paw print on my ass or a butterfly around my waist. I've been fascinated with cute tattoos like that for a very long time.

Well, you aren't made of glass, right? Ever been in a fight? Gotten your eye bunged up a bit or a swollen lip? It's all about the same, comparatively speaking. It heals, it's temporary.

Tattoos can sting like a mother, but then you get to be the canvas for that art for life. Electrolysis feels like little hornet stings, but it's quick and heals fine. And plastic surgery? Well, as I've been led to understand it feels a lot like getting beaten up pretty badly. It heals.

By all means, get the tattoo if you want it, but it probably won't be anything more than a marker for you, a reminder of the time when you were prepping for the big changes.

Honestly, if you can deal with emotional pain, you really shouldn't worry so much about the physical. It just doesn't go as deep.

-Tegs

[awilliams1701]

As someone who's trying to learn all she can, I've read about and fully aware of all of these things. That's why I think this might be a decent taste of what's to come.

The real physical pain is in electrolysis and, I imagine facial surgery and genital surgery. Waxing and laser is a bit painful, growing boobs is more about sensitivity than pain (except for when you bump them, but you learn not to do that real quick). I haven't had a tat, but I'm told electrolysis is worse, although laser removal of a tat is worse than electrolysis...so if you're after a "taste" you could always get a tat then zap it off. Personally I'd suggest your money is better spent on beard removal, you'll work out how much it hurts pretty quickly.

[awilliams1701]

I'm still thinking about it. I haven't made a decision yet.

[Christine Eryn]

I'm the opposite. I've been wanting a tattoo or 2 or 5 but have not yet found the perfect designs. I'm used to the brutality of electrolysis on my face, and the effects of HRT, so I figure a few needles in my arms can't be too bad. 

[Madeline182]

I got my first tattoo a couple months ago, it's about a 1.5 inch x 4 inch double helix, right above the ankle and just off to the side of the Achilles' tendon.  I have a moderately tolerance to pain, and I would compare it to an intense scratching sensation.  The needle moves up and down pretty quick.  I couldn't distinguish individual pricks unless he was going around a curve or filling in the lines inbetween (rainbow style if course :3 )
Some people will warn you that tattoos can be addicting.. I disagree.. I can stop whenever I want.. Just 10-20 more and I'll be good, I SWEAR!