Heidi's Navel Piercing

At A Glance Author Heidi-Lynn Contact eva3@iwon.com Artist Dana Studio Alchemistress Location Potsdam, New York

I had wanted my navel pierced since I was about 18. My friend went away to school and when I saw her again she had hers done it was so cool and I knew then that I had to have it done. So for the last four years I had been contemplating getting it done. Of course my mother said "If you get it done you can someplace else to live!!" So that was probably the main reason I wanted so long and the fact that I had no money and many bills.

While I was working one day I mentioned to a girl that I wanted to get it done and she said she had also been thinking about it. Well she decided not to do it because her boyfriend did want it done, and I chickened out because I figure skate and I didn't want my dresses or tights to get caught on it.

Skating ended and I decided again I wanted to get it done, so I talked one of my other co-workers to go with me. She wanted to get her tongue done but didn't have enough money. This was on Saturday April 15, 2000. I met her at work and we walked over. I was soooo scared. A girl was getting a tattoo so we had to wait for a while but, finally it was my turn. I was so nervous I just kept talking and walking around the emporium. I filled out some papers and Dana (the piercer) told me the aftercare instuctions and gave me a copy) such as cleaning it twice a day and getting the crusties off (which I haven't had yet!!). She also told me about the procedure and how everything was new and sterile. I got a stainless steel ring and ball. I didn't get to choose, which I was kind of devestated about since I wanted something purple (my favorite color). But she said I could come back after about 5 weeks to change it if I wanted. I finally was ready to get pierced. Dana cleaned off my navel and marked to spot. She had me sit in a chair with a moveable back and put on the clamp which I think was for eyebrow piercing and her daughter held it for her. I held Erin's hands. She told me that it was going to happen and I didn't look I didn't want to see the needle since I cry when one comes near me. NOT JOKING!!!!!!!!! I covered my eyes with my arm and she told me it was about to happen. My legs were shaking soooo much. In a split second it was over she had pushed a needle and ring into my tummy. Then all she needed to do was put the bead on. This took a minute or two because she had to close the ring enough to put it on. She got it on and I sat in the chair for a few more seconds and took a drink of water I had brought with me. Then she put some anti-bacterial ointment on it. I looked and was suprised that I had actually gone through with it. And what I had just expierenced was exactly pain, something different, one of those things that can't be explained. She took a picture to put in her collection of pictures. There were two girls waiting in the lobby so I made sure to tell them that it really wasn't as bad as I had made it out be. I paid $40 plus a tip,(I figured that she calmed me down so much and didn't kill me so she deserved one) and was on my way with this really cute sexy navel ring. I went back to the place I work and showed all my co-workers. A few of them thought I was nuts but some actually liked it. And as for me I love it. It is so neat and as for my finacee,he likes it too. As for may mom she doesn't want to see it and my dad, I don't think he knows!! I can't believe I was tough enough to do it. It is a little sore but for the most part it is fine, except for the fact that I have to look at it all the time.

I clean it twice a day with dial soap and put anti-bacterial ointment on it 2-3 times a day.

I am so happy I did it and if you want to do it, you should. The very small amount of pain is worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Seriously if I can do it, anyone can.

If you have any questions e-mail me at eva3@iwon.com. I will more than happy to answer your questions!!!

Heidi-Lynn