I had never given any thought to body piercing, until 9 months ago. A friend got her nipple pierced and that got me to thinking. I started with my navel, then came the nose, seemed only natural that nipples would eventually follow. Having said that, I'm a fully-fledged, card carrying wimp. A great big WUSS. Took me 4 attempts to get my navel done and 3 for my nostril.
At A Glance Author Jude Contact Jude@bme.anon When It just happened Artist John Studio X/S Extreme Style Location Pointe Claire, Quebec Finally after a bunch of research, I decided to take the plunge. My boyfriend wanted a new tattoo, so off we went to X/S Extreme Style in Pointe Claire, Quebec. The guy who did my nose and navel was there and he knows us pretty well, let's face it, we had an 18 yr old living with us for a while and counting all the tattoos and piercings, we were definitely favoured customers. We chatted for a few and before I could stop myself, I'm planning my piercing for 2 days later.
My navel and nostril were pretty much spur of the moment with no real time to get anxious, so with 2 days to think and the nerves to hit, I'm a wreck. To make matters worse, John is late. After about 10 minutes he arrives and tells Nancy to help me pick the jewellery, I should add at this point that she also does piercings and having seen her in action several times, she is excellent. The reason I wanted John to do mine was simply because we had a rapport going, personally I think it's like going to the doctor, if your doc has an easy-going demeanour, then it's more relaxing for you.
John told Nancy he wanted 16ga for me, and I already new I wanted rings, so that part was done with pretty quickly. We went into the back, and he asked which side I wanted done, I said both ... hopefully but it would depend on how much it hurt. John laid everything out on the trolley. I got comfy or as comfy as you can when you are about let someone stick a needle through your nipple.
By now, I'm pretty much ready to hurl, so while making small talk as John opens all the sterile tools and changed his gloves a couple of times, I asked if it was going to hurt, he told me that it was, but it would be in a good way and over fast. I pointed out that he wasn't familiar with the "lie to me" concept at all. He told me to stop being such a whiner (told you we had a rapport!) He marked my right nipple and I asked if I had to be sitting up or could I lay back a bit, he tilted me back a bit, I told him it was safer this way, I would have to sit up to hit him if it hurt!
John just laughed and told me to remember who had the needle. I took a deep breath, grabbed my boyfriend's hand with one hand and the underside of the chair with the other, felt John putting the clamp on and then a sharp quick burning sensation, before I could even say "ow" it was done. In fact, I think I was saying, not yelling, saying, "ow" as he was putting the ball on. My boyfriend said I didn't even squeeze his hand, John asked if I was going to do the left one. I said I wasn't sure, he said I hadn't even flinched and most people yell when they get pierced so let's do it. I agreed.
Once again he marked my nipple, comparing it to the right to make sure they were level, same angle, etc. This time I think I was more aware and certainly more ready, unknown and unaware really works better for me because this one was a HUGE owie. Not enough to warrant a scream but I definitely yelled "OW", but once again, it's over quickly. The ball was screwed on and I couldn't resist pulling my shirt up and posing in front of the mirror. I sat for a couple of minutes just to be sure I was OK. I didn't feel faint or weak, but with all the nerves and the adrenaline pumping, it was better to be safe than sorry.
When I was all covered up and ready to go, John went over the aftercare, all of which I was already familiar with, the piercings alone in my household totalled 9, BEFORE my latest. He knew that of course, but, being a professional, went over it anyway. A little while after, my nipples were stinging a bit, my t-shirt rubbing on them was a bit irritating, this stopped when I put a bra on. Now, 6 hours later, it's just a slight tingling, nothing that anyone couldn't handle.
My advice to anyone considering it is go for it, the pain is bearable and over in an instant. I am now considering a VCH, I will definitely have John do it but I will wait a while.