I just had my second piercing experience, and it really made me nostalgic about my first (12 years ago!) So I thought I'd write about it.
At A Glance Author Alledria Contact Alledria@bme.anon IAM Alledria When Ten years ago or more Artist Kerry, I think Studio Zebra Location Berkeley, CA I was 21 years old at the time and dating a guy into piercing. Let's call him Brian. I was also dating a gorgeous jazz pianist and a man twice my age. I was starting to practice s/m as well, but I won't go into detail about that. I only mentioned it to exemplify that it was a VERY exciting time in my life!
So, I don't know who brought it up first-- me or Brian. I just knew that I liked the idea. Having gone through all the typical female distorted body image issues, my breasts were the two parts of my body that I consistently love!
First Brian called Gauntlet in the Castro (San Francisco) to try to get this lady named Tina to do it. Apparently she did his ampallang for him, plus he wanted me to be pierced by a woman. Sounded fine to me. The following weekend Tina was not available, so we dropped by a place in Berkeley called Zebra.
I can't remember if Brian made the appointment for me, or if we just showed up, but I don't remember being rushed or crowded even though it was a Saturday night. (Based on the BME stories I've read, Zebra gets very busy nowadays and has a "take a number" system.) I think each piercing was 25, while each ring was 35, or vice versa. I remember thinking my grandparents were going to kill me when the credit card bill arrived! I was much more afraid of that than the pain.
I chose 12g stainless 5/8" CBRs with small hematite beads. The piercer (Kerry? she had long red hair) told me that larger gauges sometimes heal better so I wanted 12g over 14g to start with, considering I'd had nothing but problems with my stud-gun-at-the-mall earlobe piercings.
She brought us back behind the screen and I sat in the dentist's chair and removed my shirt. I put my arms up on the armrests (I'm short) and she marked the enter and exit holes. Then when she held the mirror up, I put my arms down by my sides and it changed the position of the marks. I only mentioned that because Kerry and Brian thought this was hilarious for some reason. I must say it's incredibly weird to have two people standing in front of you while you're in a dentist's chair and laughing at your nipples.
So finally the first needle comes out. I rested my head back and closed my eyes. WHOA! It was the worst pain of my life. Strangely though, as soon as the message got to my brain that it was the worst pain of my life, it was over! It was honestly less than two seconds. I guess my breast went into shock or something. The endorphin rush immediately kicked in and I felt so blissful I could only sit there and smile.
Soon it was time for the second needle. This one was much more difficult going through. So much for my bliss. I stared past Kerry at a candle with the image of Jesus on it. I was an atheist at that time, but the pain prompted me to pray silently, "Jesus! Let this be over soon!" It was rough from that point on. Kerry told Brian something like "She was good" or "She was quiet." Brian said "I call it stoic." What can I say, I take my pain quietly, thank you. She smiled wickedly and said, "We get people who pass out, or pee in their pants." I couldn't help but smile back. I was one proud masochist that night.
I tried getting up, but Kerry said "No, stay where you are for a few minutes." I still couldn't really talk. I felt such a crazy mixture of relief, dazedness, bliss and misery. She started to explain the aftercare instructions to me and chatted with Brian a bit. She also explained that after the healing period, they may crust up occasionally. It can happen at certain times of the month, or it can happen when you get run down. Meanwhile she lifted her shirt and let us see one of her nipples. She had a ring AND a barbell in hers which was completely amazing to me. I'd never seen that before.
Finally I was able to get up, and I think Brian tipped her for me because I don't remember doing it. "Now you'll need a couple of drinks to take the edge off." His smile was as big as mine and the fun we had that night belongs in the adult section of BME! The first few hours were the most intense, constant throbbing pain. For the first 2-3 days, whenever I cleaned my nipples, the pain made me sick to my stomach. I also had to wear a bra all the time during those days, so that nothing would rub against my nipples. There was no pain after the first three days, if I remember correctly. Discomfort, yes. Pain, no.
Unfortunately I don't think I saw Brian again after that night. We weren't suited towards each other anyway. But my nipple piercings and the memories will always be with me. It was one of the most exciting nights of my life.
I don't remember the initial healing time, but it took 3-4 years for them to really toughen up, possibly because I didn't take good care of them when I first got them. They would get irritated and itchy and gross from time to time. Now they're finally problem-free, thank goodness.
Twelve years later, I adore my rings more than words can describe. l have never regretted getting them, even when they gave me problems. The thought of taking them out terrifies me. I just wouldn't be myself without them. At 21, it was a sexy secret and a covert symbol of my alternative sexuality. But now I see it as a way that I have honored my femaleness. Sounds cheesy I know, but it's true.
If you're reading this and thinking about piercing your nips, DO IT! The experience alone is priceless.