It all started when I was in about the 5th grade (I am in the 11th now). My sister's boyfriend had this steel rod with balls on the end through his tongue. I had never seen this before and was very intrigued to say the least. I always thought that it would hurt way too much to ever be worth it. So I let it go for a few years without ever giving it much thought. Then about three months ago I went with my girlfriend to get her naval pierced. The place was cool and the atmosphere was rather pleasant. As her and I picked out the ring for her piercing I noticed the tongue barbells and what not. After she was all pierced and ready to go I asked the piercer how much a tongue hurts. He told me that it was one of the most painless ones there was. This sparked my interest, as it was now a practical possibility.
At A Glance Author Luke Contact shmeefboy@93xrocks.com When It just happened Artist Andy B Studio B-Cool Location Minnesota When I got home that evening I asked my mom if she would sign for me to get it done. I was almost certain that she would say no without any chance of negotiation. To my surprise however she was pretty east to convince. After about two days I had her approval under the conditions that if I got a job before spring break I could get it done the Friday before break. I was instantly pumped about it. I told all my friends that I was getting it done and even found a few to get it with me. I started a countdown to when I could get in and almost every day let at least two people knew exactly how many days until my tongue would be pierced.
Behind all the excitement I was a little worried about a few things. One being that I wouldn't get a job and be able to get it done. Two being I would chicken out. The latter was what really worried me. Some of my friends actually placed bets that I wouldn't do it with me. A lot of people said I wouldn't do it, which was all the more motivation to go out and show them all.
Luckily I started giving guitar lessons a couple times a week and I guess that counted as a job in my mom's eyes. So the big day came and now that I had moms signature the only thing in the way was would I chicken out at the last minute or not? Finally 7th hour ended and it was time to face the music. I got out to my car and headed for the studio. I found myself getting more and more scared as I got closer and of course all those who said they would come with me backed out leaving me all alone... I met my mom at the studio and they entire way in she kept telling me not to do it (she always was reluctant about it). Before I knew it I was in the studio picking out which barbell I wanted. I picked the stainless steel with larger balls (now I have bigger balls than anyone else!). He had me swish my mouth out with mouthwash and spit it back into the cup. Then I stuck my tongue out and he dried it with a towel. He marked it with a marker and then put the clamps on (I've h eard this is the most painful part, it didn't hurt at all I thought but whatever). Before I knew what was going on he had the needle up to my tongue. I remember thinking, "I should take a deep breath so I don't pass out" when the needle went through. It honestly didn't hurt at all; it just felt like something going through my tongue. He put the barbell in the same direction as the needle, which pushed the needle out, and it dropped into a little cup under my chin. That was it, I had done it!
I was very excited and surprised that I actually went through with it. The next day I experienced very little swelling and just a dull ache around the piercing. Eating is pretty rough though. The next two days I was on a diet of a load of ice water, 2 pieces of cheese and some slimfast. My stomach hurts from not eating much but it's worth it. I got brave the second day and tried some burger king. Needless to say it took be an hour and 15 minutes to eat a cheeseburger and fries. It was pretty rough.
To anyone who wants to get their tongue pierced and is worried about the pain and everything I assure you it is very minimal and totally worth it. It honestly doesn't hurt at all! So whatever you do, don't be as scared as I was, the anxiety beforehand is a 100 times worse than it actually is. And I know that if you are convinced that you have a low pain tolerance or a horrific fear of needles that you are having a hard time believing me. But I have a low pain tolerance and an absolute hatred for needles and I thought the same thing you are. It really is that bad! So go for it, it will be worth it and you'll be glad you did!