Hole in the Heart Prevent Piercing?

Question

Hey,
I've recently been informed that i cannot get a Piercing or a Tattoo by my Doctor as i have a 'Hole in the Heart'
And can honestly say i don't know much about it, except for the fact that if i got a Tatt or a Piercing it'd be dangerous as my body would not be able to fight infection, and could cause a possible fatal result....However being a stupid prat like i am i want a Piercing :D
And obviously i wouldn't get one if it meant 100% fatality, However i would like to know the Following on the subject:

''Is there ANYTHING i can do that would drastically lower or even prevent the chance of it being fatal towards me?''

Thanks for reading ya'll :D

Wow, thanks for all the advice everyone!! :D
Yeah, from what i've heard i'll go without lol =]

As for Gasman's comment, erm How am i being stupid? I was just inquiring to whether there was a way around my problem...
...And apparently there isn't, and you really didn't help with the question, so f*** you :)

Answer 1

The chance that you could develop bacterial endocarditis is extremely high. From there, you could have severe damage to your heart valves - Then, if you're lucky you'll be on IV antibiotics (in the hospital) for about 6 weeks, and if you're really lucky, you can plan for a heart transplant -

I can't guarantee the transplant part, but the Endocarditis is pretty likely, and the IV treatment is common.

It's not worth it.

Answer 2

You would grow what we call in the medical world vegtables on your heart valves. This is life threatening and the only way to cure it is thru a valve replacement after months of IV antibiotics. Its potentially fatal.
Find some other way to express your identity. Its not worth it.
RN x 13 yrs.

Answer 3

Wow I never heard that before, I didnt think your heart would no you have a piercing. But better save than sorry.
I also have heart problems ands I have my ears pierced and belly button, and want a tattoo. Sorry I am getting a tattoo.
Also if there was a real risk there they would ask you when your going for a piercing/tattoo.

Answer 4

You don't want to take the chance of introducing bacteria into your blood stream that could affect your heart. That would be a needless risk. Even dental visits should be approached with antibiotics. A tatoo simply isn't worth the risk.

Answer 5

Like the others have said bacterial endocarditis is a definite possibility. I would find another way to change my appearance. Would a hair color change look good on you?

Answer 6

if you can get your doctor to go along with it, yes. You can take antibiotics for one week prior to and two weeks after the piercing. If you need dental work, this is also necessary.

Answer 7

I'm glad you have insight into how stupid you are.

There is something you can do to prevent the chance of it being fatal.

Listen to your doctor and don't get a piercing.

Answer 8

cant answer you question myself

BUT
-have you tried emailing nhs direct and asking them? you go onto the nhs website and go to the "send us your enquiry" part and ask, they get back to you quickly enough and you get a good answer.