I work the 8-5. I am a suit. However, that doesn't take away that certain gravitational pull to modify what my Mom gave me.
At A Glance Author puddin' Contact puddin'@bme.anon When Five years ago Artist ? Studio 23rd Street Body Piercing Location Oklahoma City, Oklahoma When I was still in junior high, I would stick needles in my face just to make my mother sick, then she turned the tables and started providing me with surgical needles since she is a nurse.
I knew that when I was old enough to go to a studio and have something pierced by someone that was experienced and knowledgeable, that I would. I thought a lot about what I wanted to have done. I haven't ever wanted to get a facial piercing. I haven't ever felt that it would fit in with the rest of my features. I also realized that I wasn't getting pierced so people would see it and think I was tough or weird. I was doing it for me, it was personal and almost a right of passage. It almost seemed so personal that I didn't want to share it with just anybody that could look at me on the street.
When I turned 18 I decided to go get my nipples pierced. I went to 23rd Street Body Piercing because, to me, it's the only place in Oklahoma City that doesn't scream Hepatitis. My boyfriend went with me to the studio for supreme support because I was scared out of my mind. Not only was I going to have a large needle shoved through me, but the whole de-clothing in front of a total stranger was a trial in itself. I used to be an extremely shy person.
We went into the studio for the first time expecting something out of a bad horror movie and were quite surprised to find that it was like somebody's living room. Comfy leather couches, plants and pictures of pierced and stretched tribesmen were everywhere. I went and talked to a person at the counter about what I wanted and what kind of jewelry I would need. We decided on 12 g captive bead rings and I went and sat on a couch to wait. When they were ready they called for me and I started wondering if I was ready. I was shaking and afraid of experiencing what I thought was going to be the worst pain I had ever felt.
My piercer was really patient and gentle with me. I wish I could remember her name so I could give her public props, but I can't and she's no longer there. We made small talk about music and fashion while she was preparing everything. I was really paranoid and watched very carefully to make sure she never cross contaminated, and she didn't. I was surprised at how many times she changed her gloves and how thorough she was in general. She told me when to exhale and when to inhale, which I think is completely important. Granted it didn't take away any of the pain, and I actually let out a yelp when the needle went through the first one. I felt really bad for all the people waiting to get pierced that heard it. That can't be comforting!
I was thankful that the super painful part only lasted for a split second and then things were just tingly. I could tell at that moment that the adrenaline rush was going to be addictive. We left the room and several people giggled and asked if I was okay.
My healing was really jacked up, for lack of a better phrase. I had just started living by myself and I was pretty poor and malnourished. I was anemic, had problems with my central nervous system, and had some immune system difficulties. My body was extremely unhealthy and over time the piercings grew out. It was a more painful process than the actual piercings themselves. I had used the soap they sold me and soaked with sea salt, but it wasn't enough. The soap burned and the salt soak provided temporary relief, but they didn't ever heal. I let this go on for 4 months.
This was when I learned that it's not only important to take care of the piercing for healthy healing, but to take care of yourself as well.
I don't in any way blame 23rd Street for what went a rye with my experience. It was completely and totally my fault. They are great and I have gone back dozens of times. I recommend that all my friends go there when they want something pierced in Oklahoma City. I went there when I started stretching my ears and anytime I have difficulties or need advice about my lobes, I stop by. The staff's faces have changed over the years, but they've remained helpful and friendly for the 5 years that I've been going in. When it comes to getting pierced in Oklahoma City, I won't ever go anywhere else.