I was visiting a friend in Boston. A city I am not too fond of being a New Yorker, but thats a different story. My friend knew I had wanted my nipples pierced for a long while and surprised me with an appointment at Tribal Ways. I had the last appointment of the day. I was pretty nervous. This was to be my first real body piercing other than my ears.
At A Glance Author chianajool Contact chianajool@bme.anon IAM chianajool When Five years ago Artist ? Studio Tribal Ways Location Boston MA
When we arrived the place made me a little worried. It was so small but it looked clean and my friend reassured me that it was a good place. She had checked it out for me before hand. We had a seat on the couch and a guy came over to ask who we were. He took my license and gave me papers to fill out.
My piercer was really nice. He sat down with me and explained everything that went into the aftercare. The nipple care was pretty involved. Washing twice daily with soap and water then doing warm salt water soaks via a clean coffee mug on each nipple for at least 5-10 minutes for 3 months. Most piercers I have had since do not suggest using anything other then soap and water unless a problem arises but this one said to use bactine daily during the healing process. Which now I wish I had not done cause I find I heal much faster if I use nothing but soap and water on my piercings.
Well after I filled out all my consent forms and he felt I understood my aftercare instructions he led me back into the piercing room. Everything had been set up by his apprentice. He had me remove my shirt (and of course bra. but I was not wearing one) and take a seat. His apprentice examined my breasts for a moment or two then asked if they should do a 14 gauge in my right and a 12 in my left because the nipples were not actually the same size. He said no, 12 gauge in both. Then he explained that natural breasts are not perfectly matched. Then he was ready...
I sat up straight and with my hands laced in my lap. I had on a bunch of rings including finger armor, which I did use to press into my palms. I was trying to cause pain some where else to distract myself. I am sorry to say I closed my eyes. I felt the clamp pinch my right nipple first then a quick intense pain shot thru me and then passed. I opened my eyes and looked down to see the needle resting nicely in my nipple. Then he bought forward the jewelry and my eyes closed again. He commented on how still I was. I do not recall him giving me the normal heads up "take a deep breath.ok let it out," before the piercing, but he could have. I did begin to sweat. I got so worked up after I had seen the needle sitting so pretty in my nipple.
After he was done, he turned me over to his apprentice for instructions on bra wearing. She was happy I did not wear one that day. And her explanation of how to wear a under wire bra for the first month seemed a major pain. She wanted me to make this tunnel around my nipples with tissues too keep the bra from rubbing I guess. She recommended sports bras. I had always worn under wire bras but I went right out the next day to stock up on sports bras. Which I have to say are so much more comfortable. Now when I wear a under wire bra, I am so uncomfortable and my rings do not always lay right in them.
Well that was my piercing experience. I was on such a wonderful high for some time after. I so wanted to pierce something else right then. My whole body was super sensitive. When I left they told me to come back if any signs of infection or if I had questions. I told them I would, but it was a lie because I was returning to NY in a day or so.
My chest was tender for weeks afterward and I did have slight bleeding occasionally. But really barely any. I would just see the crusted blood upon the jewelry. My left nipple did get infected about 2 months in. Really freaked me out cause there really was not any signs of infection till POW it was there. One night the side of my breast hurt and the pain went all the way down into my arm. When I awoke I had a painful bump in my breast I freaked out. First thing that came to my head was Cancer. I called in to work and got my ass to the doctors. By the time I arrived that afternoon at the doctors, I was showing more signs of infection. I had cellulitis around the nipple and some discharge. My doctor prescribed antibiotics and warm compresses. And told me to take them out with a smile. But all doctors say that, do not they?
After I healed I had no more problems. It's been over 3 years and everything is all good. And I love them. Cannot picture my breasts with out them. Now I clean them once a day with basic ivory dish soap in the shower. That's it. I have to say I became so proud of my breasts once pierced. I show anyone who asks. I always wanted to have bigger breasts, I am an A cup but once pierced I loved them just as they were!!!!!! I recommend to everyone to get it done.