I recently read that there is alot of heavy metals in tattoo ink which would be toxic to someone with only one kidney. Did anyone discuss this with their dr. before getting one?
With all due respect, I believe you have been misinformed. If heavy metals were that prevalent in tattoo ink, people with two kidneys would also be in danger, not to mention liver damage and other problems in normally healthy people. The greatest health risk in tattooing is infection and cross-contamination from unsafe hygienic practices. I've been getting tattooed for 16 years and have done a lot of research on the subject. Of course, transplant recipients would have to be much more careful, if they are ever cleared to be tattooed after transplant (I've heard some people are allowed by their team to get tattooed, some are not).
For the record, of course I cleared it with my transplant team, especially because I wanted to get them done before I returned to work after surgery. The team told me it should have no bearing on my kidney function or health, and Baylor has some of the best statistics for transplants in the country, so I trust their medical advice for myself, but I would encourage anyone interested in getting tattooed after surgery discuss it with their doctor or transplant team before doing so.