Feel weary today after long tattoo session yesterday

[bellabride]

Yesterday, I spent five and a half hours, apart from a twenty minute lunch break, lying flat on my back on the table for extensive stomach tattoo ( only had one small one previously, just a few weeks ago).
Today, I feel really weary and fragile: anyone else had this?
It was pretty painful throughout; I wondered if it's the stress of prolonged pain all day that's got the better of me?
I'm 57, so no spring chicken to be entering the world of tattoos!
I'm pleased with the result, though.

Yes I usually get this. Tattoo flu.

Yes, flu is exactly what it feels like!

I was warned about tattoo flu when I had my first full day (8 hours ☹️) I was chatting to the tattooist, saying I was having people over afterwards and he laughed and said I wouldn't be up for a party. I wondered what he was talking about, but bloody hell, by the time I got home, I just wanted to sleep for days! I now make sure I always keep the next day (or preferably a few days) free, and book annual leave. Tattoo flu is real!

Ooh, what did you get?

Yy, par for the course. Worth it too though. The body has experienced prolonged physical trauma and now has a large open wound filled with ‘foreign matter’ to heal. Is normal to feel rough!

Pictures!!

Tattoo flu is definitely a thing.

I've had several 8 hours sessions on my back and legs, and though I'm only in my 30s it can take me a week to recover from each.

I also tend to get a dodgy stomach when being tattooed which is cringe, but also common apparently!

Good on you for long stomach sessions op, especially in your 50s when skin is trickier and can be more painful!!

Auntie Dolly, I got a Hindu God, a mandala, and an Om symbol.

Oh god….I’ve got my longest session yet booked for tomorrow, and have to do a shift at work at 7pm
I may well find myself regretting my choices by this time tomorrow

Yep totally normal, I think its a reaction to all the adrenaline released yesterday, rest up and hope you feel better soon!

Well done op.

Did you post/comment about this a few weeks ago on another thread? I think I recall.

You're a tough lass. Stomach is mega painful.

@SlamLikeAGuitar

Oh god….I’ve got my longest session yet booked for tomorrow, and have to do a shift at work at 7pm I may well find myself regretting my choices by this time tomorrow

I know this is sometimes frowned upon, but I get otc cocodamol from a pharmacy and take a couple before long sessions. It definitely takes the edge off.

Yes I feel quite dizzy and sick after tattoos, even when I have my brows microbladed!

@VippingQ I do the same! Seems sensible to me

Beroccas and plenty of water also!

Vipping yes I posted a few weeks ago that I was going for my first tattoo

Thanks so much everyone for your reassurances. Very kind.

I sleep for a couple of hours after I have a tattoo! Always worn out. My toes are curling the whole time!

Ooh pic pls! Which Hindu God did you get?

My first tattoo took 3.5 hours and I was on a massive high after, then the next day I felt like I'd been run over by a lorry. Plus I then got massive regrets, I was exhausted, achy, flu-y, tearful and googling laser removal!!!!

I then took a step back and thought this is not normal, and sure enough, after some extensive Internet research I realised all these feelings, plus the tattoo flu, were completely normal! But honestly I was a wreck to begin with 🤣