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Galilee · Tattoo lover Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 31 Location: Kent

On Saturday I sat for two hours to have colour added to my koi. It was the 4th sitting so far, and there are probably three more to go. Most of the work this time was on water and scales that run from my stomach/nipple area back across my left ribs. The fish eventually disappears down my left side and onto my back and buttock.

It had only been two weeks since my last sitting, which was mostly for finishing black shading. I was feeling pretty weak and ill before I went in, and I was mildly hungover. I had eaten and taken paracetamol though.

The water seemed to take about 4 different colours and the fish's scales seemed to take 3 I think, so there was considerable repeated working of the same area.

I was in agony for the whole two hours. I got so close to asking the artist to stop so many times.

I've been relentless with this koi, going back to the shop every two or three weeks for more work, but I'm giving it up until the New Year now. I need some time to forget, as I don't think I could face the thought of being tattooed at the moment.

Has anyone else ever had a really nasty session like this? How do you get over the fear for next time?

Bluesman · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 5:15 pm Post subject:

you should really try to avoid alcohol completely the night before, drink PLENTY of water. take Ibuprofen rather than paracetamol, if you can.

it's like any surgical procedure, you'll fare better if you are properly prepared.

sessions where the artist is shading through colours are the hardest IME, going back over a part after it starts to heal (after about 20-30 mins) can be very painful, many artists will try to work in an order that causes less discomfort, but on a large piece like yours it's not always practicable.

as for the next time, it shouldn't be anything like as bad, you should be over the worst.

I've had over 13 hours on my Koi fish sleeve so far, one or two sessions a week, still have at least 4 more hours, some parts were more painful than others, but it got easier all the time.

My artist says I sit better than anyone he's tattooed, I can do 4 hours before I start to have enough (mainly through boredom, tiredness and hunger)

I've never gone in with a hangover, I save the beer or wine for afterwards, it's not great for the healing process, but it relaxes me!

Garyzda1 · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 10:40 pm Post subject:

I sat for 5 hours on a cover up and then had to go to another appointment. After my appointment was done with(3 hours.), I returned to my tattoo artist for another 5 hours. The second 5 hours sucked in genral with the last 2 being tattoo hell. I wouldn't never do 10 hours in a day again and would never split a session.

vixeousvixen67 · Tattoo lover Joined: 01 Jun 2008 Posts: 10

yeaa! I was on medication when I got my first tatto it hurts like FCUCK!

Bren · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 1:16 am Post subject:

Needleshy aye! Ouch! Yep, stay away from the alcohol and anything that will make your blood thin. Big Tattoos require lots of repeated sittings sometimes. Numbing cream could be the way to go for you? Good Luck Wink