Where do I begin? My first idea of getting my navel pierced was 10 years ago when I turned 35. Being a chicken and the fact that I did not have a flat tummy I decided to go with the tattoo first. Ten years later and still no flat tummy here I am.
At A Glance Author anonymous When A week ago Studio Lifestyles Location Ramstein, Germany
My best friend here in Germany just turned 40 and for her birthday I talked her into getting a piercing. Her husband thought it would be a good idea so off we went. I had promised that we would get this together and that I would go first. If any of you reading this know anything about Germany, you know the country shuts down by 2 PM on Saturdays so our hunt for a place that was open was tough. After a few misses we were able to find a piercing place that would accommodate us however, we would have to wait until the following Tuesday due to a time conflict with the piercing artist.
I began my investigation into this piercing thing. What were the risks involved, healing time etc. After looking at many sites, I had just about talked myself out of doing this... Nevertheless, by Tuesday I had my nerve up again so I called and made the appointment. The artist had all the right answers to my questions and the business was clean and well kept. She had me stand and adjust my clothing so she could make the markings and then placed the jewelry so I could see the positioning and give my approval. I was asked to sit in the chair and she raised me up and laid me back. She let me see all of the piercing tools and explained what she would be doing with them. She made sure that she opened all of the packages in front of me so I knew that all was sanitary and clean.
I was so nervous and just closed my eyes and covered my face with my hands and clenched. The next thing I know she said "done". I thought, Oh! That was not bad at all. The little pinch lasted 2 seconds if that. There was a little stinging afterwards but not enough to bother me. By the time I got home, I wasn't feeling anything. There was no blood and I was moving pretty good.
My recovery packet included 6 bags of Chamomile Tea. I was told to clean my wound with this and allow the tea bag to rest on it for 15 minutes twice a day and of course, I was given a disinfectant. What I ended up doing was brewing the tea, placing it into a squeeze bottle, and rinsing with that while in the shower. Boy did that feel good! I would then take the tea bag, place it on the piercing and lay on the couch for a few minutes. I later bought antibacterial soap and have been bathing with that. The tea was good during the weekend when I had time to relax in the mornings but the soap fits my schedule better!
On the various websites, you will read advice on whether to turn your jewelry or leave it alone. They also tell you that you will experience during the healing process this gooey stuff that makes it hard and uncomfortable to turn the jewelry. I say, do what you think is best for your body. I did not turn the jewelry for a few days. When I did decide to do it I had a hard day. The piercing area was very sore and that was the end of that mess. I have left it alone since. I never did get that gooey stuff. Granted my piercing is only 8 days old but there has been nothing..... maybe the Chamomile tea works? Who knows? The soreness is gone now and I can bend and get out of the car without saying ouch. I can also safely turn the jewelry, which I only do in the shower to ensure that it is being cleaned properly.
My friend and I have had the same strange issue with our piercing. Neither one of us can lay on our right sides. The left is fine and of course, on our backs. The tummy thing I will wait for four months at least. I am a back sleeper most of the night anyway... has anyone else experienced such a thing? I spoke to the piercing artist and she had never heard of that with anyone else... maybe we are just strange.
To sum this experience up it has been fun. The healing process will take many months and I am okay with that. The only thing I will miss is going to the spa for a while. I figure if I keep healing as well as I am that I might be able to go to the spa before six months but for sure I am going to stay faithful with my twice daily cleaning routine. Who knows maybe I will be inspired to get that flat tummy now!!