Today was the day.
At A Glance Author xPurifiedx Contact wotmlocalscene@aol.com IAM xPurifiedx When It just happened Artist Jakk Cook/Scabboy Studio Express Yourself Tattoos and Body Piercings Location Lackawanna, NY Monday, August 23rd, 2004. The day I got my 8G navel piercing.
I had been planning this piercing for several weeks. I currently already have double nostrils, and 1G stretched ears. In the past, I have had a monroe piercing, and a side lip piercing which are both now retired. It was time for something new, and a bit more "unusual".
I had been to Express Yourself (and Jakk Cook...IAM:Scabboy) previously; in June to be specific, for double nostril piercings. I have talked to him a lot, and have decided that I would rather go to him than anyone else in the Buffalo, NY area...perhaps in any area. He's very professional, very nice, and extremely clean. I cannot praise him enough.
I brought my "piercing buddy" Jeanette along with me for support...and of course my mother, as I am a minor.
When we arrived at the studio, Lindsay (IAM:DemiseSwivel) was there to have us fill out the forms, pay, and all of that good stuff. The price and jewelry had already been discussed for a few weeks in advance, so that was out of the way. After all of that business was taken care of, my Mother went to wait in the car. She is somewhat supportive of some of the things that I'd like to do, but she doesn't particularly care to be around for them.
A few minutes later, Jakk was ready to pierce me, and Jeanette and I headed back to the piercing room.
Again, the room was immaculate. It smelled of a doctor's office; every surface shining. Jakk was setting up all of the supplies on his tray (changing gloves every so often to avoid cross contamination). Eventually, he had me stand in front of him so he could make some markings with a toothpick. Lindsay watched as well, asking questions on occasion.
After the markings and such had been all sorted, I was asked to lie down on the adjustable chair/bed. The markings were checked again, I was cleaned with Technicare...and as he did a bit more prep work, checking, and measuring, us girls joked a bit about peoples' silly questions, rude customers, etc.
Now, the moment of truth. I was slightly nervous, but I have been pierced several times before and pretty much knew what to expect (or at least, procedure-wise). I was expecting the pain to be horrific, considering the needle looked HUGE to my poor nervous eyes. This clearly was not something that would stop me.
Jakk lined up the clamp, and then a few seconds later decided not to use it. "Whenever you're ready," he said.
I told him to just do it. He lined up the needle...told me to take a deep breath in, and on the out breath...he pierced. I could feel it going through all of the layers of skin. I half expected it to get stuck, but honestly- it was nothing. I was smiling the whole time. I couldn't believe it had been so painless. I'd heard of some peoples' 14G piercings hurting pretty badly...so I was naturally a bit nervy about having such a large needle used on me. But I do have a very high pain tolerance, so that was a plus.
In no time, the jewelry was in (A specially ordered 7/16"ths 8G Titanium Curved Barbell from Anatometal...$23) and I was done! Jakk cleaned up the blood. The was actually a fairly "large" amount, but that's to be expected. He took a few pictures with his digital camera before allowing me to get off of the bed/chair.
I received my aftercare sheets (not that I needed them) thanked both Lindsay and Jakk, and we were out the door. No pain at all when I sat up or got in the car. I was so relieved!
About 10 minutes into the car ride home, I checked out my navel. It was pretty bloody...but that's normal when you have a large needle jabbed through your stomach. I was so high on adrenaline...I was feeling a bit nauseous. I had my mother pull over...I threw up. A lot. But I immediately felt better afterwards. I have a slight problem with throwing up during/after procedures the leave me so excited. It happened with my chest piece as well.
Other than that, I gently soaked it in a sea salt mixture with a cup for a few minutes when I got home to remove all of the blood.
It is barely sore, and I can sit normally...bend...and all of that.
As usual, I cannot reccomend Scabboy and Express Yourself enough. I have had nothing but good experiences, both with being pierced there, and talked to the piercers.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at wotmlocalscene@aol.com, or IM me on my IAM page.