Unwell after tatttoo - coincidence?

[Realitea]

I got a new tatttoo last night. I felt a bit groggy before going in and had a bit of a sore throat for a few days prior.
It’s my first colour tattoo and quite large.
I’m now feeling so unwell. I’m worried I might be having a reaction. Or maybe it’s just a coincidence?
Has anyone else felt unwell after having a tattoo?
I feel unbelievably tired and nauseous.

It’s a coincidence. You say yourself you had a sore throat before going in, no reason to blame the tattoo

I think you’re right. Last night I was just scaring myself reading about reactions to ink and convincing myself I was having that. Even though the tattoo looks fine so far - no redness or bumpiness!

you were already ill.

Hope your tattooist doesnt get it

Me too. I did warn her and a few of the other tattooists said they felt ‘not quite right’ aswell. I think there’s something going round in my town as so many people are complaining of this at the moment.
Anyway, thanks for putting my mind at ease! I’ll have a good rest today.

pic of tattoo? :)

I get tired after large pieces, for some reason it takes it out of me, so it may make you more tired but the illness won't be down to the tattoo.

I have found thought it might take a bit longer to heal if you've been unwell as your body doesn't have as much energy available to heal the skin and your illness (not sure how scientifically accurate this is!) so don't worry too much if it takes a bit longer to heal.

Rest up today and enjoy your new ink!

*though

It definitely has tired me out! I’ve been so tired all week and then I think getting the tattoo was the icing on the cake

I wish I could show it off here but I don’t want to out myself. It’s really awesome though!

I had what felt like the flu after my backpiece was started. I often have all day sittings with no ill-effects but this one really took it out of me - the tattooist's work rate was absolutely unrelenting and he covered a lot of skin.

Luckily I have a nice husband so he looked after the kids while I mostly stayed in bed for a couple of days and that really helped. That's when I found out through googling that 'tattoo flu' is definitely a thing - something to do with your innate immune response.

I read about tattoo flu too! I’m sure mine triggered my immune system. After two days I was back to normal.
It’s now at that peeling stage and looks awful

I also need to ask another question - why exactly can’t you submerge your tattoo in water after getting it done? Is it to do with bacteria?
I’m going abroad in three weeks.. will it be safe to go in the sea/pool by then?

After 3 weeks you should be fine to have a swim in a pool or the sea. Usual advice is to avoid swimming/baths for two weeks. The reasons are twofold - firstly, initially there is an infection risk, but also being submerged in water can also affect how well the tattoo stays in the skin until it's fully healed.

If you're going somewhere sunny I would keep your tattoo well covered with SPF 50, if not under clothing, to protect it from the sun (as sun fades colour tattoos something awful)

Thanks for the advice. I’m so glad I got the tattoo when I did, in that case!
I got some tattoo goo spf 30 but I think you’re right that spf 50 would better
It’s healing amazingly well, I’m really impressed!