Making the Decision :
At A Glance Author Abby Contact Abby@bme.anon When Six months ago Artist Matt Studio To The Point Location Abbotsford I had first seen venoms here on BME. I loved tongue piercings, but found them to be "trashy" and too common. When I discovered venoms, I thought they looked beautiful as opposed to cheap, and they certainly where not common in my city. I immediately fell in love, and began researching. After about two years of playing with the idea (This way a big thing for me. Two piercing at once, dodging veins, a lot of money...) I decided I was going to give them a try. I contacted my studio (To The Point, the artist's name is Matt) and asked about prices, ect.
Piercing Day :
I woke up excited and nervous. I had wanted these for so long, but was, as always, scared. I hadn't made an official appointment, but I had made up my mind that this was the day I was going into the studio and getting it done. After throughly cleaning my mouth and getting my birthday money (sweet sixteen had landed me with 300 dollars. I felt so spoiled) my boyfriend and I walked down to the studio. I talked with Matt, who explained to me the risks (that I was already aware of) and told me he would be able to do it in about an hour. He told me to go get some dinner. A big steak or something.
Piercing time :
So, after dinner (I actually hadn't eaten much, and I probably should have...But all the talk of 12 gauge needles and avoiding veins had sort of killed my appetite) my boyfriend and I were back at the studio. Matt was finishing up a tattoo, so we spent a little while sitting around looking at magazines and such. Before I knew it, he was finished and I was sitting on the table while he talked to me about aftercare. No mouthwash, no oral sex, rinse after anything other then water goes into your mouth, sea salt water is good, bottled water is good, pain killers are your friend, ect. As he set up, he changed his gloves every time he touched something as to avoid cross contamination. The clamps were out, needle was out, and the two ( very long, as to accommodate to swelling )internally threaded 12 gauge barbells where out. After we were both satisfied with the markings, he has me clamped and pierces (ouch, that hurts. I have the urge to kick him, and manage to control myself) me, then the jewlery is slid in after the needle. The second time around wasn't as bad as the first, surprisingly. So, I am all pierced and barbelled up, I go look in the mirror and squeal. Literally, I squealed. They looked fantastic. Perfectly even and everything. I hug Matt, tip him 20.00 and am on my way.
The Night Of :
It isn't easy. Spitting, swallowing and speaking hurts. I don't even try to eat. I drink some tea, take some pain killers, watch Labrynth, and go to bed.
The next few days are hell. I don't know about you, but I get mighty grumpy when I can't eat. And boy, I was sure grumpy. But, after about two weeks about 70% of th swelling was down and almost everything was back to normal.
Where the Problem Began :
So, I failed to consider something very important when I got my venoms ...
I wear both two retainers in my mouth, on my bottom and top teeth.
Over the course of the next four months, my venoms are losing beads, swelling, and migrating. I blame this entirley on my retainer. So, now I have three choices :
a) Ignore the problem. The piercing will eventually heal no matter what the circumstances and all will be dandy.
b) Remove my retainer to save my venoms, which will result in my teeth going crooked again, which will result in my father destroying me.
c) Remove my venoms and continue to wear my retainers. When I no longer have to wear my retainers, I'll get them redone.
Well, I chose option C. I have been without my venoms for about a week now. I will admit that I miss them, and that I am sad. But it isn't the end of the world. I will get them redone one day when I no longer need a retainer. I wish I hadn't gotten them done in the first place though, because the second time around is going to be through scar tissue, which is going to be very lame.
So, if you are considering these piercings I am going to suggest being retainer/headgear/whatever your cruel dentist has strapped to your head free. Trying to stay healthy is also a good idea. I noticed that whenever I got sick, the swelling would increase along with the pain. Also, it is in your best interest to get them done at 12 gauge or higher. Once, I lost a bead and swallowed my whole fucking barbell in my sleep, and had to wear a 14 gauge barbell in my left venoms for a few days. It was hell, tearing and migration set in after two days. TWO DAYS!!!
Well, I hope this article was of some help. Good luck :)