I'm an 18 year old attending university at Liverpool John Moore Uni. At the time I had no other piercings, tattoos or anything else.Until about 3 months back I had never considered getting anything whatsoever piercedAnyway, after 6 weeks of pondering I finally decieded that if I didnt get my tongue pierced I'd go completely mad! I'd already mentioned that I was thinking about getting it done to two girls on my local bulletin board. That was my big mistake I suppose, from then on I had to make sure that when I got it done they where there to make sure I went through with it.
Anyway, the date was set for the 4th October (97). Meeting 1pm in Manchester. I would be going to The Manchester and Leeds body piercing place in Afflecks.
Saturday 4th October (the 'big' day)
I tried to get up early for the train but ended up being late... I then found out that the next train would get me to Manchester on time but at the wrong station. I got that one anyway. I got into Manchester at 12.50 and had to try and find the meeting point. (My knowledge of Manchester is lacking). Anyway all went well and I met the girls.
First we went for something to eat, though I just drank, I felt bad enough as it was. Then we made our way to the piercing studio. the women in there were the usual walking advertisement for body piercing but were really friendly. Anyway, basically they chose the jewelry for me (a 22/24 millimetre barbell, 1.5 millimetre wide i think), I was glad as I wasnt over sure about this part. I filled out the 'I wont sue you if you cock it up' form and was ready. By this time I was apparently visibly shaking but I didn't feel that bad.
I was taken into the back with one of the girls for company (the other was a little squeamish I think *l* so was i) I sat down and the woman who was to do the piercing (Louise I think, Im bad with names) numbed my tongue with this awful tasting stuff. She then marked my tongue with a pen and let me see to make sure I was happy, I was.
Next she got a nice set of forceps and told me to stick my tongue out (by now it felt massive because it was numb) she grabbed my tongue and got the placement right, I didnt feel much here. Next she basically said close your eyes, so I did and, wham, in went the needle, no pain, just like someone pressing on my tongue. After a little fiddling (I still wasnt looking though I had my eyes open) she fasened the jewellery in place. My tongue bled a little but I hardly saw any. I had a quick look in a mirror and was happy.
I payed my cash (35 pounds i dunno how much in US dollars) and off we went. I was quite floaty happy by now and kept trying to talk, I had quite a bit of a lisp but my mouth was still numb. I also kept rattling the barbell against my teeth which didnt help
The rest of the day was spent trying to get back to Liverpool from Manchester. I had to switch on the way back and also had to get some mouthrinse before the shops shut early.
On arriving back in Liverpool I did a quick trip around a few of my friends rooms, showing off. Most said "euughhh" or "did it hurt?" and though I probably shouldnt have replied I couldnt resist.
I also sucked on ice cubes and drank only water all night, before trying to eat some soup.
By the end of the night my tongue was aching a little but not bad considering someone had made a hole in it.
Sunday 5th October
I dreaded this day, all the tales I have read on here stated that this day was really bad. However, I awoke feeling good, better than the previous night in fact. I had some more soup (staple diet) remembering to rinse after.
My tongue had swollen quite a bit, visibly mainly, it didnt feel swollen.
the day was good anyway, no major problems, though getting the barbell caught on the front of my tooth and pulling my tongue back in my mouth at the same time hurt.
Monday 6th October
Again no problems. I tried to eat a bag of quavers (melt in your mouth crisps) but it took me half an hour. I also had a tin of soup with big chunks of meat and veg in it. The swelling wasnt visibly any better.
Saturday 11th october
Today I was due for a downsize on the bar. I went back but the Louise told me my tongue was still too swollen for a 12 millimetre bar bell. She said it would be better to wait a week but as I was travelling in on the train and it was costing quite a bit of money she gave me the jewelry and told me how to fit it.
By now I had regained full use of my tongue more or less.
Saturday 18th October
I downsized today, no real problems apart from I nearly dropped the smaller barbell and misplaced the ball.
Friday 31st October
Well I'm sat here now writing this and as yet there have been no major problems, no infections or anything. The swelling has gone now too. a few points though
I love the piercing now, I keep getting yelled at for rattling it against my teeth. Its great because I only have toshow it to people who I want to, which is most people anyway. I walk down the street rattling it most of the time *l*
- Coolmint Listerine looks like toilet cleaner and to be honest I cant imagine toilet cleaner tasting much better
- If you do decide to get this piercing try to read all you can, I did and it put my mind at ease. A few times I was paranoid about getting an infection, everytime I saw a change I worried. Reading up put my mind at ease.
- The piercing is great for putting people off when you are playing pool. I tend to use this tactic when I'm getting desperate.
Thanks to: the people who run and submit to these pages, all those on web chats who I annoyed about it, Laura and Kate for coming along and backing me up and Ashley for her continuing advice
Anyone wanting to ask questions can e-mail me at im_a_prat@hotmail.com or visit me at http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/9085/
Mark
I DIDN'T GET IT DONE BECAUSE KEITH FROM THE PRODIGY HAS ONE ALTHOUGH I PROBABLY WOULDNT IF HE HADNT!