I was about 13 when I became fascinated with the idea of being different. I went to a catholic school (even though I thought the religion was pretty messed up) where I was forced to wear a uniform and look 'normal'-just like everyone else. I was really taken by the idea of tattoos and piercings. I began contemplating what I should have done.
At A Glance Author Izz Contact fuzzybeast_inc@hotmail.com When A year ago Artist Good question... Studio Agitprop Location Ottawa, Ontario When I brought up the idea of piercings my mom's only rule was "nothing on the face." My dad was a bit stricter. It took me about 2 or 3 months to convince him to let me get my navel done. But in May 2001, I found myself on my way to the piercer's with my sister and her friend. I chose a place that had been recommended by some friends and my brother.
When we arrived we were greeted by one of the nicest piercers I've met. We went through the normal papers, questions about other piercings (I had none) and what I had eaten that day. I paid the $40 CND then headed to the backroom.
He took his time cleaning and marking my belly button. Then he'd have me stand up, check to see if it lined up, then clean and mark it again. It took about half an hour before he was satisfied. He had me lie down as he prepared the clamp and needle. While I waited I watched his hands shake as he handled the small rings. That scared me even more than my nervous sister (who'd had her navel pierced twice before) bouncing around the room.
He explained exactly what he was going to do, and then he clamped my belly button. (I had been told that the clamp hurt a lot, so I was really surprised when it didn't). He told me to breathe then counted to three before jabbing me. I felt the needle go through, but it wasn't really painful. He took out the needle, put in my ring (which hurt more than the actual piercing) and told me he was finished. I could barely believe it. I was even a little disappointed with the lack of pain. I still wish that I'd been allowed to watch. It stung for about half an hour and then it only hurt when I touched it, or bent over.
It was really tender for the next few weeks. The most painful part would have to be the day after I got it done because my horse decided to throw me off twice. Both times I landed on my stomach. (Rest assured he got no treats after that ride)
When I got to school I got a bit of trouble. I was a hero for being the first person daring enough to break rules, but one of my teachers happened to see me proudly showing off my metal. This particular teacher really hated me so she tried to make a really big deal out of it. After about a week of lectures and discussions with the principal they realized that dress code only barred visible piercing and they couldn't do anything because showing my navel was also banned. So I guess I kind of beat the system until a few weeks later when I was expelled for shaving my head almost completely bald and dying my bangs (the only remaining hair) purple, but that's another story.
I cleaned it twice a day like I had been shown and it healed nicely. I had to wear low cut pants for a few weeks because I had gotten my piercing on the bottom, instead of top, but nothing to serious. I was really pleased with how it had healed.
The only time I ran into trouble was after I'd had it for about 6 months and I decided that the ring was too plain. I bought a pretty little barbell and stuck it in. That all went great until it started to swell. I got a huge red sore right on top of my piercing (not around the holes) that kind of looked like a blister. It was all pussy and really gross looking. I started to take out the barbell while I cleaned it and the ball of yuck went away after about a month or so. When it cleared up I stopped taking out the bar to clean it (stupid me) and it got infected again. It got better really quickly when I took the bar out to clean it again though.
It's been 10 months since my piercing and it's still doing fine. I've gotten a bit bored with it and I've got nineteen piercings in total now. I'll make it an even twenty as soon as I find another flap of skin that I can pinch enough to pierce.