As a nurse, I was familiar with human anatomy, the location of various blood
vessels, nerves, (and antibiotics if the need so arose). When I originally
began to contemplate the idea of body mod, I decided to start with my navel. I
went to a local mall (Afterthoughts, just so you can avoid it!), and paid for
having the "belly-button" stud placed. Well...with a tad too much beer
drinking on my part, with the accompanying "gut" that ensues, the "tech", and
I use that term loosely, could not get the back onto the stud. I yelled at
her..."Why didn't you tell me that fat people should get their belly buttons
pierced this way!"...After about 10 minutes of messing with it, and an episode
of blacking out, I decided that I could do this better than they could, and
went home to do it myself. Having access to IV catheters--wonderful due to the
fact that the needle comes out, and the catheter is left to keep the hole open
while the aparatus is inserted. I had though I had "re-invented the wheel". An
18 ga works well on small piercings (navel, eyebrow). That is how I started.
Then, after carefully examining my Human Anatomy books from school, I did my
own tongue. Sterile 14 gauge cath, Povidone-Iodine wash, a little lidocaine
infiltration w/ an insulin syringe, and "STAB"...I chose an area a little
closer than most peoples I have seen since (This was 1996, so not too common,
then) about 1 cm back from the tip of my tongue. Allows for much more use of
it (in case of emergency):) And there are so many who prefer to "hide" their
piercings. The is one that I am very proud of, and am happy to say "Ahhh" to
anyone who may ask. I love it when people ask why I did it--My reply..."If you
have to ask, then the answer would mean nothing to you." With the commonness
of this with the "follower culture" that has erupted, and the need to further
cultivate some metal, I did the Prince Albert about 6 months later. Used the
iodine again, but with ice, instead...(felt too many needle insertions were
detrimental to the cause! When the original "rush" wore off some, again with
the 14 ga. That healed incredibly fast! About 2 weeks later, I got a 1 5/8in.
14ga., and went ALL the way through, thus the apadrahva!. Got to say that it
is INCREDIBLE! And I would suggest it to all! The healing has been supurb!,
and can be taken out for days at a time, with only slight resistance to the
replacing of it. She may not want you to wear it ALL the time, to prevent
"traumatic cervix syndrome:)"
Anyone who is viewing this site, wondering
if this is the course to take, I have just one word of advice...Just use some
common sense. Any piercing of a human body involves blood vessels, nerves,
etc. MAKE SURE THAT WHOEVER DOES THE PIERCING KNOWS THIS! I am sure that most
reputable piercing studios have certified, properly trained people to do
quality work! There is a reason for that! I have done many piercing as a side
hobby since then. Many...many...belly buttons, probably 20 people's tongues, a
lesbian couple wanted both of their nipples pierced, which I happily performed
without charge. My apad is the only male percing that I have done, but I have
completed a "hood" piercing, and a clitoral ring piercing. Ladies...I would
really suggest against the clit thing, because it DOES loose sensation, and
that is one part of any body that should never loose feeling!. The "hood", the
cleft of skin the overlies the top of the clit is DELICIOUS!. With proper
placement of the jewelry, for maximum directed "dangle", you will be quite
pleased. And, afterward, I would suggest getting a stairmaster, for it will
become your best friend! I love my piercings...They are a part of me that help
me express myself in ways most people would not understand...but they are me!
Yeahh...they can be taken out if you do not like them, and that is part of the
safety aspect, as opposed to ink! (Not my thing, but maybe someday?) I really
wish I had a scanner! For I am quite a voyeurist, and love to "share". Maybe
the verbal experience will help to spark the interest in some of your fans,
and let them build their own memories. One final thought...The piercer is just
the first step. Care has to be taken by the pierced one, to properly care for
the incision. Many different types of soap have been suggested, but I always
recommend something with Triclosan (liquid antibacterial soap). Some of the
areas we choose to "excavate" are not exactly the cleanest areas of the body.
Use 'em, then clean em! Much more joy will come of it...Good Luck!
