Andi's Own Tongue Pierce

At A Glance Author Andi Contact Andi@bme.anon Artist Johanna Studio Amazon Tatoo and Piercing Location Pismo Beach, CA

=) Well, just to start out my story- Ill give you all a little background about me. I have always loved tatoos (got one at 15) and piercings, however.....lets just say Im a little wimp LOL. I am definitely NOT into the whole pain thing. Im the one crying in the chair while sobbing to the piercing artist 'just pierce it already- its all good- really'....although mabye my accute fear of needles has something to do with this....anyhow- The current piercings I have are my cartilage (ear), tragus (which I highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique piercing that will go over with work/parents), a nose pierce, and my new one- my tongue!

So- the saga begins.....

About a few weeks ago, I started really wanting a tongue pierce...there are some that say tongue piercings are just 'popular and trendy' but lets be honest here- anytime you want to put a hole in your body that's not supposed to be there, you better damn sure want it for yourself (at least, thats the way I am LOL I couldnt give a rats ass who else has one or not- as long as it looks good on me and I want it.) That aside, the story starts- Id been wanting to get my tongue pierce for a long time, but the way I work is this- I cant make an appointment- I have to do it spur of the moment style. If I make an appointment on Monday afternoon for a pierce on Friday- I can bet 100 bucks Ill call and cancel by Monday night. So- this puts me in a bad situation, since I will only be pierced in a studio which is CLEAN, by a piercer who's has at least 3 years of experience-and has great references to back it up. LOL This usually puts me in the position of going to the studio and trusting the Gods that it wont be busy and my piercer will be in. And this Sunday, I was fortunate. This time I actually called to make sure the woman was in. Johanna at Amazon, by the way, is the best piercer on the central coast of CA, from what Ive heard from all the other shops- she's had 5 years of experience, and the people I talked to about Amazon all said to go to her- so, I did.

I gotta say- those of you who said tongue piercing doesnt hurt- you LIE like a rug...of course, it may just vary for the individual. I have to say it was my most painful pierce.

The procedure:

First, you rinse with Biotene (please do try to use Biotene- its much gentler than Listerine) then, you stick out your tongue....well, at this point, as she was dabbing off my tongue to dry it off and put the dot on I was breathing.....slowly- trying to focus. Then, she put the clamp on and checked my tongue for veins- which was all very well and good, however, the odd pressure of the clamp almost made me pass out- however, it wasnt actually painful....just odd. Ive had this problem with piercings before, though, so I just laid back for a second, she took off the clamp, and then I sat back up and said 'ready'. So- on goes the clamp again...and Im thinking "Damn. If this is the most painful part, Im in luck." Then, the needle hits. CRAP!!!! Ouch. Now, all wimping aside, this hurt like a bitch. Be prepared. After she had the needle through she quickly put the jewelry through- it was a very fast piercing- Id say a minute or 2....but for that minute, you hate your tongue and hate the impulse that brought you to have the stupid thing pierced. Zoom! Off goes the clamp and back into my mouth goes my tongue- and my first reaction was DAMN that bar is big! She laughs and says "wait until your tongue gets bigger". So, I start the usually 'rinse and spit' maneuver and think....that wasnt too bad.....LOL SURE!

A few notes on aftercare: Its since been 3 days since my piercing and my swelling has just started to subside. Darn if it didnt look just like a big wet fluffy red pillow in my mouth, though! I have had great luck with ice water (frozen in an Evian bottle and just enough ice to let melt gently in your mouth works great.) Oh yes- and for food purposes, I have found that those Kikkoman packets of egg flower soup make just enough soup for a meal and that way you can get your protein in for the day too. =) The soup slips right down your throat- although I must confess, I miss being able to taste it too much. (Im very careful not to let much on my tongue.) Also recommended are Cream of Wheat (re-live your toddler days) and Slim Fast (hey- its a meal in a shake, and its cold, and it beats not having anything!)

Would I do it again????- you bet. Its been eye opening, and the craving for some new modification has subsided....plus- Ill be honest here- I feel pretty proud that I went through with it! (Makes me feel like less of a wimp!)