It was about a month or two after my wife moved out that I realized the previous 16 years of my life had been one huge fucking sacrifice for anyone and everyone who came along and asked me for something. Sure, I'd had my ear pierced back in the early '80's when it was still somewhat unusual, then had it double pierced... but I'd taken to not wearing it anymore because of work. Business owners just don't seem to trust their advisors with earrings.
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon Artist Paul (Insert Last Name Here) Studio AAA Location Verona, PA So there I was, faced with this enormous sense of empowerment over my life... being able to do what I wanted, with whom, when I fucking well pleased. Eyebrow piercings are what led me to consider something new in my life (along with a belly-button pierced 24 year old girlfriend who I'd been fucking), but I knew I couldn't get that done and still maintain the salary and lifestyle to which I've grown accustomed (not to mention keep making my support payments). Decided I was too old to get my tongue pierced... and landed on getting my nipple done.
After doing some basic research on the subject at BME, the yellow pages, Internet searches, discussion groups, FAQ's, and talking to a few friends of friends who had gotten stuff pierced I settled on AAA in Verona, PA - sort of a suburb of Pittsburgh. Walked into the shop and watched some hot chick get her lower back tattooed while I waited for Paul "the needle pusher" to arrive. He was really good about answering every single question I had and explained the whole procedure in great detail. I was still somewhat on the fence - I wanted it done, but a hectic work schedule, lots of frequent domestic travel, two young sons who like to rough-house, and a general dislike of pain were reasons to not go through with it. I was starting to visualize getting my nipple accidentally ripped in half, and it was *not good*. During nearly two hours of hanging out in the shop with other people coming in for piercings with not so much as a flinch convinced me.
I signed the form, surrendered my license (which they promptly photocopied and saved for their files in the event of litigation), forked over some ca$h, and watched while Paul prepared for the piercing. He pulled a fresh needle out of a sealed bag and sterilized the ring. While I thought I wanted something thinner than 12 gauge and in a barbell, he recommended a 12 gauge captive bead (SS with a charcoal ball) to help prevent migration (which may happen with something lighter) and facilitate healing.
I got up on the table and sat while Paul marked my nipple and asked me if the position was ok. Two of his clients (a couple) had come in to visit and watched while I was getting it done. The girl commented that I'd really like it and would probably be back for more. I didn't think so. In fact, I was casually thinking about when I'd be removing it. Paul asked me if I was sure I didn't want both done, because it's been his experience that people who get one like it so much they usually come back for the second... I declined. He clamped it and told me to take a deep breath in, then exhale.
Now, I've never been afraid of needles and always watch when someone takes blood so naturally I figured on watching - until I saw the size of that big, huge-ass, hollow-point needle ! On the second deep breath, I decided it was too late to chicken out, closed my eyes, and prepared myself for pain worse than the kidney stone I had. On the exhale, I felt a very slight burning pinch... thinking the clamps had been tightened or the point of the needle was pressing against me... I braced myself for the pain from hell. After a few more seconds, Paul says "Ok, you're done - check it out !" and hands me a mirror. Hardly any pain; shit I'd had bee stings more painful than that. Hell, I'd been snapped with a rubber band worse than that ! Paul took a pair of pliers and twisted the needle he used on my into a pretzel, ran through the after-care procedures, handed me a page of written instructions, and I was on my way into the freezing cold winter air.
The piercing has unlocked a whole new sex life. For the next couple of days after getting it done I'd get hard at the slightest breeze and everything feels more intense ! The healing process could go a little faster, but I've been careful to follow the cleaning instructions (for the most part) and have not had any problems. Experienced some minor bleeding and discomfort a few times after unusually long bouts of rougher-than-usual sex, but soaking in warm water and sea-salt quickly remedied that.
Now I can't decide what to get done next... maybe my frenum...