Heart surgery and ear piercing

[Bresychen]

So, here is my dilemma. My DD (7) has heart surgery 18 months ago. She doesn’t remember a thing about it just knows it was done because she has the scars. She badly (daily requests) wants her ears pierced but the risks of endocarditis are higher due to her medical history. Her cardiologist says it is fine to have it done providing we take care where we go. Her cardiac nurse says never. As she is only 7 we can kick this can down the road for a while yet but she is quite “spirited” and at some point I fear she will take it upon herself to go to some dodgy hairdressers with some mates and get it done independently. Do I bite the bullet while I can control it? I’ve been googling surgical ear piercing, which does exist, has anyone got experience of that and can recommend somewhere in London? Thanks.

I have a friend who had exactly the same problem. She's an adult now but was allowed one lot of lobe piercings as a child and had to take special medication for the duration. They've been fine ever since and she's just accepted that she can't have anymore but is glad she had them done when she did. IMHO I'd say go ahead and get them done while you have control.

only have ears pierced by a piercer [so usually working from a tattooists] not via a gun and Claires Accessories etc.
ive explained to my dd thems the rules and so far the thought of a needle through her ear is enough for her to reconsider.
id be upfront about her specific health risks and say that when she is ready you need to have it done properly for her own wellbeing xxxx
[I recommend Nicole ar Love Hate Social Club, Nottinghill FWIW]

This is difficult whatever you decide. But I think the 'she doesn't remember a thing about it' is really important. This may have been more traumatic and significant for her than you realise.

Will her heart condition impact on other areas of her life from what you have been told?

SadieHH The guidelines have changed now. Antibiotic cover isn't recommended for most things, since 2008, and reiterated on revision of the guidelines in 2016. So if you wouldn't get antibiotics for these things: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg64/ifp/chapter/Should-I-be-offered-antibiotics
you wouldn't get them for ear piercings.

penny- I know this is true but at barts (transition to adulthood) they do still recommend it in line with other EU countries.

Fair enough. Thanks for the correction, I didn't mean to give outdated advice.

Thanks everyone. Good to know it is reasonable to think about doing it early. Having read other posts on here I will definitely avoid the piercing gun. She has been moved to annual check ups so they aren’t anticipating any more problems though there is never a guarantee (just designed to make me fret forever!). I never knew that tattoo parlours specialised in ear piercing- but I think I will go more surgical for DD. Am sure DS (9) will want something at some point so have logged the Notting Hill info. Thanks!!