I never planned on getting pierced. Especially my nipples. I had even told a friend a few months earlier when we 'somehow' ended up at her favorite studio, that while I respected her decision to do so, I had no desire to get any of my own. She still loves reminding me of this conversation when I mention a new piercing that I am thinking about getting.
At A Glance Author Trillium Contact Trillium@bme.anon When Six months ago Artist Jesika Studio Saint Sabrina's Location Minneapolis, Minnesota USA The night before my appointment I read through a number of the experiences on BME so that I would be prepared for what was to come. I was interesting that everyone had such different experiences. Some people got pierced on a lark, others had been saving and planning for it. Others created rituals around it. Some were painful, some where no big deal. My experience was totally different than anything that I read about. Although reading the stories helped me to feel more comfortable about the decision and more prepared as far as what to expect.
Most of the stories talk about how bad it hurt. I wouldn't say hurt exactly. At the time, I also got another ear piercing, on the lobe just before the cartilage starts. That hurt. The nipples were, it was so strange. I've never felt anything like it. The sensation went through my whole body. It was like every air molecule left my body at the moment the first needle entered. Almost like I left my body for a split second. But that doesn't describe it accurately either. Pain was definitely a part of it but there was more. I meditate though so I may be more prone to look for the spiritual in my experiences.
I ended up getting 14 gauge barbells. I spoke with Jesika, the piercer, about different jewelry options, and decided on getting barbells instead of the rings. Barbells are suppose to heal a little quicker. Now I am six months out and still not healed but I'll get to that in a minute.
Jesika pierced my ear first, another barbell with flat ends, then did the right nipple. She was great. Spent extra time with me. Walked me through it. I did pretty good. I remained calm and was able to totally relax my body. It didn't feel like I tensed much at all when she inserted the needle. Just GASPED! We took a mini-break between the right and left because I started shaking a bit. She was laughing at me because when she gave me a glass of water my hand was shaking so bad I kept almost spilling it. Seriously, she's wonderful. The left nipple was more intense than the first, probably because I knew what was coming. I have also since heard that you only get one adrenaline rush in such a short time.
I really like my new nipples though. I had so many endorphins rushing through my system that I was acting like I was high. I was still feeling amazing three days later!
There have been some unexpected consequences with having pierced nipples. One is that I always wear a t-shirt under whatever clothes I am wearing to work. I hadn't realized how slim fitting my shirts were before. Looser clothing is in my future. Outside of work I don't care though. My friends think I have lost my mind and don't make any comments. Which is fine. I did this for me, not to get attention. My favorite reaction is when I have had people eye my chest and ask me if I am cold.
Now for the healing. Like I said, I originally got barbells but after a few months the tissue filled out a bit and I got a slight infection because they couldn't drain properly. I stuck with salt water soaks and got the barbells switched out to rings once the infection was gone. Now it has been six months and I still have occasional bleeding and 'crusties'. Same with the new ear piercing. I still do the salt water soaks about once a week. More seems to irritate them. I am considering switching the jewelry to titanium as I have a mild nickel allergy and am wondering if I am having a reaction to the stainless steel, even though it is implant grade (316LVM). I don't generally wear rings or other jewelry because of this.
My advice to those looking to have this piercing done is to not be fearful of the pain. If you focus too much on your fear then you will miss out on a potentially amazing experience. The problems that I have been having with the slow healing have been more of an inconvenience than a real issue. I tend to be a slow healer. So, things may be right on track. I do plan on waiting until these completely heal before going on with the next one. I hope it won't be long!
Peace.