Ok, so here I am still on my endorphin high (my first! 14 pierces later, I get my first endorphin rush!!!!!) after my vertical hood pierce done about an hour and a half ago.I've been wanting this pierce for months now, since before an aborted attempt last October, when I went in the day after I got dumped and wasn't in the right head space to do it. The time hasn't been right until now. And it was very right today.
My appointment was at 7, Derek's last for the day. I got there early for a change, and perused the jewelry case, drooling over all the cool jewelry I want, dreaming about my next lobe stretch, picturing all the holes I should put in my body so I have a place to put all the cool jewelry...
7 rolls around, and Derek finishes up with his previous appointment. I get a big Derek Hug (tm) (these things are gold I tell ya, GOLD). I fill out the release form as Derek goes downstairs to prepare the room. I wander down there when I'm done, getting excited (getting? heck, I've been excited since I made the appointment on Saturday...) and nervous (this part is just setting in).
We shoot the shit for awhile as he continues to prepare, talking about RAB, RABbits we know, people we each like alot (we both have big silly grins on our face at random times for some reason... :), this that and the other thing. He turns on the aromatherapy, after asking me if I wanted it to which I said yes, and then goes to wash up or something. When he returns I inform him that it *stinks* and he obligingly turns it off. He had selected a nice, mellow, ambient CD (after asking me if there was anything I wanted to hear) for background music, and it's just the right thing.
I get up on the chair. I place my feet on Derek's legs (there's just something comforting about the human warmth that way, as opposed to cold, clinical stirrups). We've scouted this one out before, so I know there's room. He says 12 ga would be possible, but I decide to be a pain wimp and go with 14. He makes a mark for the targeted location. We chat some more as he works.
Then the needle comes out and he starts adjusting things, making sure things are going where they are supposed to go, moving the receiving tube around into just the right place. Every few minutes he asks if I'm doing alright. One of these times, I'm suddenly not alright. I've got the strangest sensation of nervousness; it feels like I just hit the first descent on a rollercoaster. Full body rush and an ever-so-slight tinge of nausea. I lie down and he gives me a few minutes to collect myself. Finally, the desire to do it overcomes the nervousness and I'm ready again.
More adjusting. It has to be just so. Then he's saying "Take a deep breath". But I'm not ready and I squeek out "no, not yet!". I take some deep breaths on my own. One. Two. Three. "ok, I'm ready". Then Derek coaches my breaths. Take a deep breath. In. Out. No needle. Take another breath. In. Ou... Aaaaaagggh! Hahahahahaha! I yelled as the needle went through and in the next second I was giggling. Then the rush! Even more like a rollercoaster than before, and in a much better way. I'm laughing and giggling. It kinda feels like a post-orgasm rush as well. I've never felt anything like it. I just lay there and breathe and laugh and enjoy the sensation for a minute or so. Then I sit up and Derek hands me the mirror.
It's so pretty!!!! A 14 ga curved barbell. Very aesthetically pleasing with my 10 ga straight barbell in the triangle. I sigh happily and hand the mirror back, then stand up. Another Derek Hug (tm). He's smiling too.
So, I want to thank Derek, Coolest Piercer in the World, for being so wonderful. So careful, so patient, so concerned for how I'm feeling at all times, so talented. I have never felt so happy and content after a piercing. I'm on top of the world!
heidi(*), one-woman Derek cult club
ps, Derek works at Steve's Tattoo and Body Piercing in Madison, WI. If you anywhere within driving distance, don't go anywhere else! There are many very talented tattoo artists there also. Check out http://www.stevestattoo.com/ . I am in no way financially tied to this business, I'm just giving the hearty recommendation of a very happy customer (I've been tattoo'd there as well, by Carol).