I'm 18 and just finished my first year of college. I want to try most things at least once and I'm up for anything. Usually, when I decide something, I do it first and think later.
At A Glance Author Star Mystik Contact Star Mystik@bme.anon When A month ago Studio Body Inc Location Alberta I've always wanted a tattoo and piercings. When I was in grade 9, I went and got 3 holes pierced in one ear and 5 (one cartilage) on the other within a month. I wanted an eyebrow ring too, but I knew my parents would never let me have one, so I decided to get my navel pierced because I could hide it from them.
Problem was, I wasn't 18 and didn't know anybody who'd be willing to act as guardian, so I couldn't get it done. I have a pretty high pain tolerance and didn't think it would hurt that much to pierce it myself. So I got a large safety pin, and used earring disinfectant to clean it. A really long time (about 1-2 hours later) the pin finally went through! It didn't hurt very much, felt more like pokes and pinches.
Since I change my mind pretty quickly, I didn't think I'd actually go through with it, so I didn't have a ring to put in yet. I had to keep the safety pin in the next day during school. Sitting down most of the day with a freshly self-pierced belly button with a safety pin bothered me more than it actually hurt me. After school, I went and bought a ring and put it in. It looked and felt a lot better!
It didn't get infected or bleed, which was really good. After about 6 months, I got bored of it so I took it out. It closed and now has a scar. While nothing bad happened when I pierced myself, I wouldn't suggest doing it yourself as the navel is a pretty easy area to get infected.
4 years later, I still want a tattoo. Not so much piercings now, as I kinda got over that. I don't even wear earrings anymore. One night, I was talking to my friends about the upcoming rave and I wanted to get a tattoo or belly ring before then. Since the tattoo wouldn't be healed enough to show off, I decided to get the ring first, but this time professionally.
The next day, my friends and I went to get one. I was the only one who actually went through with it! Luckily it was a weekday and they weren't very busy, so no appointment needed. I picked out a 14 gauge captive bead ring and waited for my turn. As I waited, I started to have second thoughts. I'd have another scar if I take it out again, what if it hurts, what if it gets infected, stuff like that. Then I started talking to some of the other people waiting, and one of them had their belly pierced. She told me about her experience (no pain) and felt more relaxed.
When it was my turn, I was still a bit nervous, but I knew for sure I wanted one. The piercer was totally nice. He explained the procedure, how they disinfected and kept everything clean. Then he made marks on my navel to make sure it got pierced straight. He saw my scar from before and asked me about it. I told him what happened, and he said that this experience would be a lot better.
It took about 15 minutes to get done. I laid on the table and took deep breaths. All I felt was the pinch of the clamp and poke of the needle; not much pain, just discomfort. After piercing it, just before putting the ring in, he left for a moment to get something. For the first time, I looked at my belly, and saw how it was pierced. When I saw the needle in my skin, I couldn't believe I was actually doing this! He came back very quick and finished up. I saw my ring and loved it.
I wore a shirt that was long, but split open at the belly for the occasion, so my clothes didn't bother it. It was just a little tender afterwards, and annoying to sit. As soon as I got into the car, I called everybody in my phone book on my cell and told them about it. Most of them were shocked or surprised since I never mentioned getting a belly ring before.
This time though, it didn't heal as good as the first. There's a scar around the hole/ring and I think it's because I didn't take as good care of it. A lot of people like playing with my ring, and that's probably the reason it's a little infected >_<
I've had the ring for about a month and half now, and I still love it! I've got tons of different rings to match my outfits, including blacklight/flashy ones for raves! I think this time I won't get bored of it so soon ^_^