I wanted to get something pierced after I turned 18. At first I was thinking about my nose, then decided against that. My sister had her tongue done, and after convincing me it didn't really hurt, I thought 'alright, why not?'. I work weekends at a restaurant, so I originally wanted to go to the piercing shop on a Monday. I wanted my boyfriend to take me, but he was busy on Monday and Tuesday so we went on Wednesday. My friend Jessi came along. She was going to get her eyebrow pierced a second time, but then on the way there she decided to get her tongue pierced also. I thought that was great since then we would share the exact same experience. On the way there we got a bit lost, but eventually found the place.
At A Glance Author lauralye Contact lauralye@bme.anon When A week ago Artist don't remember his name Studio avant garde Location milwaukee, WI We got to the place and hour and some minutes before they had to close. Jessi and I told the guy what we wanted and filled out papers and payed right away. There were a few girls ahead of us, getting nose piercings or their belly buttons. I was kind of nervous and it was real warm in the shop so I went outside with my boyfriend. When I came back in I saw Jessi was gone. We went into the back and Jessi was sitting there, gargling mouth wash. She wanted me to hold her hand. When the busted out the needle, my boyfriend disappeared (he's afraid of needles) and I looked away.
Soon enough it was my turn. The piercer made jokes and talked to me, to make me a bit less nervous. He made a joke about a blonde that was supposed to be funny, but turned out lame. I laughed anyway. Jessi asked me if I wanted her to hold my hand. I really didn't care one way or another. I went through the same as her, gargling mouth wash and having the piercer mark on my tongue where the barbell was going. I looked in the mirror to make sure it was exactly center. Again, when the piercer was unwrapping the needle, my boyfriend disappeared (what a wimp huh?). The needle going through didn't hurt much at all. The clamp was what bothered me the most. I tried not to wiggle my tongue. When I was done, the piercer handed me and Jessi some sheets on aftercare and explained everything to us. He said we could smoke and drink, we just had to rinse afterwards. "Even if we smoke weed?" Jessi asked. Whoa that was funny! He said it was ok.
The piercing shop was really cool, a good price and good service. My tongue costed only $35. A lot of people I know have gone there. The people that work at Avant Garde are so nice, and will answer any question. The guy that pierced me was real professional and knew exactly what he was doing. I would recommend getting opinions on the place you go to. Don't be too spontaneous and just pop into a tattoo shop. It might be some crummy place that won't do a good job.
My tongue swelled up and hurt a bit the next day. Not a lot of pain, more swelling. It's been two days short of a week since I went, and my tongue is still pretty big. I can't wait til it goes down. I can eat almost anything, probably things I'm not supposed to yet but I'm ok. Pancakes work well in small pieces, or stuff like pudding. Everyday that passes it gets easier to talk and eat normal again. I really miss popcorn though and it will be a few weeks before i attempt it. The barbell gets kind of annoying. Sometimes I just want to take it out, but I know I can't. It's like having an itch you just can't scratch. I will be so happy when it is healed!! I kind of talk funny, but my friend Jessi talks fine. She always makes fun of me, but you don't really notice. People that didn't know I got my tongue pierced didn't notice I talked weird until they were aware of the fact.
I think getting your tongue done is a good idea overall. Probably anyone would be able to handle it, since it's not as bad as you expect. Reading stories about other people's experience or asking questions will help prepare you for it. Just be careful so it doesn't get infected, take care of it! One thing I don't like is how you can't really kiss! It's really hard to be kissing your significant other and keep your mouth closed. But I know as soon as it is healed, it will be totally worth it. I think I will go back after Christmas and get my nose pierced. That's always how it is- you get one thing done and think 'what next?'.