Three short weeks ago, I decided to take a long-awaited plunge and do something I had been wanting to do for almost two years – get my navel pierced. I live in Brisbane, Australia and in the centre of brisbane is the state's only specialised piercing venue, The Piercing Shop (www.thepiercingshop.com.au) It was here that I finally plucked up the courage to book an 11:30 am appointment on a Saturday morning. I am very scared of needles – I cannot even look at them. This is why the whole experience was very draining to me. I only have my earlobes pierced other than now, and those were done with a gun – no needle, no worries. I had booked my appointment on the Thursday beforehand, and for the whole three days between making my appointment and getting there, my stomach was twisting and turning. Was I doing the right thing? Was I spending my money wisely? Would it hurt? So many of these questions were racing through my mind as I boarded the bus that would take me into the centre of town.
At A Glance Author Anna Contact Anna@bme.anon Artist Rhys ??? Studio The Piercing Shop Location Brisbane, Australia As soon was I got to the Piercing shop (with a half hour wander beforehand to calm my nerves) my fears were immediately put to rest. I watched other people exit the shop's four piercing rooms ecstatic with their new metal appendages. Three of my friends have their navels pierced, and another has her tongue pierced, all from the same shop, and they had told me beforehand that this was the only place to go. They reassured me that it was a good, clean, reputable place which is by far THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. Finally, my name was called. I went inside to room number two with my piercer, Rhys. He was really nice, and helped me stay calm.
Firstly he explained to me exactly what he would do. Then, he got the pack. He showed me the two stickers on the pack that certified that the needle had been sterilised by autoclave – ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT THING. Then he told me to sit on the chair, which looked like a dentist's chair. He then leaned it back until my belly was up in the air and my head was down. He washed his hands, and put on latex disposable gloves. Then he cleaned my belly very carefully and marked out a place. I checked it to make sure it was ok, then had to lie down again. He put a clamp on my belly (the sorest part!) and since I don't like needles, he didn't show it to me and told me to close my eyes, as he had to check it by holding it up to the light. It only took him five seconds to put the needle right through, then put in my banana bell. I didn't feel a thing! In three weeks, my navel has not hurt a bit! After all this was done, he told me the things to do to keep it clean. Wash twice a day with the cleansing gel, bathe in salt water etc. He told me all the "rules" and what to do if anything should happen. I have been following very closely all of the things Rhys told me to do for my new navel ring, as the last thing I want is a red, sore, infected belly. I'm being very very careful!
The piercing shop offers all clients a free check-up after two months to make sure everything is going well with the piercing. The shop also offers a wide range of jewellery for when I change my piercing. Rhys told me only to do this when it is fully healed, which can take up to a year in some people. My navel is hardly red, has not pussed and is not even sore to the touch! I can move my banana bell around heaps, which makes the healing faster and the cleaning easier. I have bought and had given to me lots of different jewellery now, and I wait in anticipation for the day I can change my banana bell! A navel piercing is not tacky – even though I am the first to admit that my belly is not perfect, I am perfectly comfortable with showing it off in bikinis and other midriff tops. This ring now accentuates and makes my belly look even more beautiful! And what's more my friends love it and some are even considaring following in my footsteps! I really want to design my own ring and have it made – does anyone know of places that will do this? Now I am not as scared of needles, and I have recommended the Piercing Shop to all my friends. Now all I want is the bottom of my navel pierced also! In a couple of months...