How I finally did it!!

At A Glance Author Kristianna Contact Kristianna@bme.anon Artist Gina Marie Studio Big Joe's Location Mt. Vernon

For the longest time, I had been wanting to get my belly button pierced but I was always scared of the pain. I have to be about the biggest wuss in the world and this isn't even an exaggeration. (They have to numb my arm at the doctors before I get a shot, no joke). But about a month before my 18th birthday, I finally decided that I was going to do it when I turned 18, sort of like a rite of passage or something. I figured that if I didn't give myself a time, I would wimp out and not do it. So me and one of my friends, Justine, agreed that we were gunna go and get it done together. I guess she couldn't wait though cause she ended up going without me and doing it. I was a lil upset but not much. I was still intent on going through with it.

The day before I turned 18, me, my boyfriend, and a few of our friends went to Big Joe's Tattoo place in Mt. Vernon. Big Joe's is probably the best-known place to go in the area. There is one in Yonkers (where I live) but I knew that even though I was only a day short of 18, they would be really strict and ID me. That day, we had all convinced my friend Katie to get hers pierced too (I was really scared so I guess I wanted someone to do it with me!). When we got to the place, the piercer Gina came out and helped us pick out our rings. We both wanted barbells but she said that our stomachs weren't right for it, which was weird because Justine had just been pierced with a barbell. I figured it was because Justine was stick-thin and I am definitely not. The Big Joe's in Yonkers even said that they don't pierce with a barbell. Gina recommended either one of the twisty pieces of jewelry or rings. We both chose twisty ones.

We all piled into the piercing room while Gina was getting ready. I made Katie let me go first because I knew that seeing any sign of pain on her face would make me run out the door. Then I made everyone, except my boyfriend, leave the room cause the whole audience thing was making me nervous. Gina had me sit up in this chair while she cleaned the area. Then I stood up and she marked the exit and entry holes. When I sat down she clamped down my skin, which felt like a really long pinch and finally, put the needles through. It hurt like a shot hurts, like it's uncomfortable but in a few seconds you know you're gunna live. Then she put my jewelry in and gave me instructions on how to clean it. Gina was really good. You could tell that she knew what she was doing. Her confidence made me feel a little more relaxed.

Afterwards, I couldn't stop playing with it! I was just fascinated by this little piece of jewelry in my tummy! The only thing that interrupted my happiness was the fact that I had to drive home afterwards and that sucked. I couldn't really sit up. I had to have people help me up when I wanted to stand up! Luckily I had worn loose clothes so my pants weren't irritating my belly. For about two days I couldn't sleep on it because it was a little sore but the soreness went away after that.

I've had it now about four weeks and I've been cleaning it three times a day with Bactine. I'm gunna start using a sea salt solution because some people have said that makes the redness go away. My mom thinks it's infected, because it's red and looks somewhat scabby, but everyone I've talked to with one says that it's just part of the healing process. I'm hoping to get a barbell put in before I go to college in a few weeks.

This is to anyone who is thinking about getting his/her navel pierced: DO IT!!! If you're afraid of the pain, don't be because it is so bearable. When it's over you will be so happy! The important thing is to pick a good, reputable piercer. Gina was a real expert in piercings. She pierced my boyfriend's eyebrow a couple of days later and he looks really good. I know I could have gone down to the Village and paid like $20 but I paid $60 cause I wanted to be safe. You will love it!! I know you've probably read all of these things and everyone says "oh it doesn't hurt." Really, it's not bad at all!

Hope you decide to do it - it's sooo worth it =)

~ Kristianna