I can't remember exactly when I decided I wanted venoms, just that I wanted them. I had been thinking about another piercing since I'd had my lip done. Originally I had considered a standard centre tongue piercing, but that seemed too ordinary and I wanted something a bit different. I mentioned this to my piercer when I was in buying plugs and it was she who suggested venoms. I had neither the time nor money at the time, so we scheduled an appointment for two weeks time.
At A Glance Author Lee Contact unscarred52@hotmail.com When Three months ago Artist arleen Studio Primitive Origins Location London Having decided on venoms, I read some of the experiences on bme so I'd know what to expect. I'd had several piercings before, so I wasn't worried about the pain, but I was unsure about whether to get both piercings done in one sitting or not. Opinion on this seemed to be split 50/50, so I called my piercer to ask what she thought. She said it was my choice so I thought "what the hell", and told her I'd have them both done at once.
The day of my appointment rolled round and I got that familiar pre-piercing excitement. I made sure that I had a hearty breakfast, as all the experiences I'd read mentioned that your tongue swells quite a lot making eating difficult. Besides, I knew it was a bad idea to get pierced on an empty stomach. I arrived at the studio early, just in time to see another satisfied customer leave.
Within minutes I had signed all the necessary paperwork, handed over my hard earned cash, and was seated waiting to be poked. I was asked to gargle with mouthwash, which made my tongue tingle, and then my tongue was dried with a paper towel. After checking the underside of my tongue (presumably for prominent veins), two dots were marked for me to check the position. I didn't think they looked symmetrical and so they were redone. Second time around everything looked fine and so we were good to go.
It goes without saying that all the needles and jewellery used were sterile and out of new packets. My piercer explained that she wasn't going to use clamps, and asked me to stick my tongue out as far as I could. I complied and she grabbed it between her thumb and forefinger (naturally, she was wearing latex gloves). She tugged slightly and then asked me to take a deep breath. I did, and as I exhaled she pushed the needle through the right side of my tongue.
I felt a pinprick, then the odd sensation of the needle moving through my tongue, and then a searing pain as it exited. Although not bothered by needles and such, I have to admit that I kept my eyes firmly shut! A little more pain as the titanium barbell was installed, and then I was done: halfway to having my venoms. I got the usual post piercing rush and then immediately had to calm myself, remembering that I still had one more to go.
My tongue felt lop sided and I could tell that it was already starting to swell. I confirmed with a nod that I wanted the second piercing doing, and watched as the new needle was prepared. Same routine as before, except that this was really starting to hurt now. The first piercing was starting to throb, and by the time the second barbell was in place I was beginning to feel a little dizzy.
While I sat regaining my composure I was given full aftercare instructions and told to call if there were any problems. I could hardly talk and just nodded dumbly. My tongue was throbbing and my mouth felt full of metal, but I was happy. I had been fitted with ½ inch bars to allow for the swelling, and resigned myself to a diet of ice cream and soup.
That first night was pretty bad. After the initial pain subsided I was left with a dull ache, which turned into a sharp pain every time I tried to eat. I gave up trying to speak altogether. The next day the pain was less, and I continued with my liquid lunches.
After a week I was starting to get more used to the additions in my mouth, although I had developed a slight lisp. My piercer assured me that it would go as soon as I downsized the bars. My tongue was still too swollen to change the jewellery and so I had to wait a further week before the shorter bars were installed. Sure enough my speech was back to normal.
So, all in all it was a positive experience. If you're reading this while considering venoms then my advice is to go with what feels right; if you're happy to get both together then do so, if not then don't. Either way it will hurt, but I think you'll agree that the end result is more than worth it. L