About two months ago, I was sitting at my computer. I'd been considering getting a PA off and on for a couple of years, but never seriously. I've also always harbored a secret wish for a septum pierce, but I work in an environment that frowns upon such things. On a lark, I decided to visit the BMEzine site, just to see what others have done.
At A Glance Author Yarram Contact Yarram@bme.anon When A week ago Artist Jim Studio Saint Sabrina's Parlor of Purgatory Location Minneapolis, MN, USA I browsed through the pictures. PA's – seen those before... frenums / lorums – interesting, but not for me... scrotal ladders – wow! Let's see what the experiences talk about...
So I started reading, intrigued by the experiences others have had. In particular, the stories behind *why* some people opted for this or that piercing. I was sitting there, reading a story of a scrotal ladder, and inspiration struck me: "Jacob's Ladder".
If you've seen the movie, you'll know that it follows the story of Jacob as he comes to terms with his own violent past. Some of it is his own doing, and some of it caused by the military during his service in Vietnam. I had a violent childhood, both due to lack of impulse control and to things done by others. (I think of myself as a "Child of Columbine", if that means anything.) A scrotal ladder would be a perfect symbol, reminder, and tribute to my own past, my own personal growth, and the lessons I have learned from family, friends, and foes.
So, I started researching where I could get it done, and what the aftercare would consist of. Scanning through BME, I discovered others had positive experiences at St. Sabrina's (http://www.saintsabrinas.com), and paid them a visit. It's a fun little store in the lower level, with tattoo and piercing studios on the second floor. I thoroughly enjoyed looking at the variety of jewelry on offer (from standard SS/Ti/Au to stone, bone, and acrylic). The place looked clean, prices were clearly posted, and the staff seemed friendly and professional. Their website was also extremely informative, both about piercings and the staff who work there. That settled where.
Aftercare seemed pretty straightforward: salt washes, mild antibacterial soap, and patience. I could manage all three: grocery store for salt, Walgreen's for dye- and fragrance-free store-brand soap, and an opportunity to meditate for 20 minutes at a stretch. I also read up on potential complications, so I'd know what to watch out for. It took me a little while to decide on how many. Ultimately, I decided on a total of 11, plus a PA in October to celebrate an anniversary.
When turned out to be the second weekend of May for the first visit, for scheduling reasons: I had plans the following two weekends, and wanted to make sure I could complete the ladder and let it heal a bit before doing the PA. I decided to do two on my first visit, so that I could gauge how many I could do per visit, as well as consult with the piercer on spacing of sessions, etc.
So, I went in, ID in hand, and filled out the paperwork. I talked with the piercer, and settled on 10ga 1/2in (1cm) stainless/surgical steel CBRs. This being my first permanent below-the neck piercing (others done at *much* smaller sizes), I was a bit nervous. I pulled down my pants, and pulled up my shirt. No shaving needed, as I do a full-body shave regularly (yes, I'm into BDSM). The piercer, Jim, swabbed the area with antiseptic, marked it up, and got my OK. Cleaned up a little more, pulled his mask back up, and started with needle one. As he was pulling it out, I started on the breathing. Deep breath in, deep breath... *pierce* *wince*... out. The needle was through, and my first ring was in. The process repeated for the second piercing.
I lay still for a few moments, and then slowly sat up. A deep breath, and then look down to see two beautiful rings in my scrotum. No bleeding right then, so I pulled up my underwear and pants, and went on my merry way, aftercare information in hand.
I did have some bleeding that evening, and overnight, but none after that. (And I suspect that it was my own fault, because of some things I did.) A change of underwear and an incontinence pad overnight were more than adequate to patch things up.
The piercer recommended that I wait about 6-8 weeks for the next round of pierces. So I did aftercare, two soaks a day plus the antibacterial soap (also useful for hand washing prior to soaking). The rest was a matter of "hurry up and wait". Finally, last weekend arrived. I would've waited an extra week, but again, I had prior plans that got in the way. I called ahead to find out if and when Jim would be in. Saturday, around dinnertime, I rolled in.
A side note is needed here. I had originally intended to ask for a female piercer for the first one. Being homo, I had felt that eliminating the possibility of sexual tensions might help. I changed my mind just before walking in to the store, and took whoever was available for the sake of getting it over with. Turned out to be a good (lucky) decision. After the piercing, I realized something: Jim didn't tickle. Considering that I am hyper-tactile and ticklish in the extreme, that was amazing. I wanted him for my piercings. Period. So I asked for him.
I walked in, showed ID and filled out paperwork again. I decided to do three this time, since I had 9 left in my ladder, and time for 3 visits. I plunked down the money for the piercings and the rings, went in, and got ready.
Jim went through the same latex-gloves, antiseptic-wipe, and markup process as last time. This session, I knew what to expect in terms of pain, and was able to get myself in an appropriate "headspace" for it. Deep breath in, deep breath out, times three, and three new rings in place. I sat up to see the results: beautiful! I have a ladder instead of 2 random piercings.
First words out of my mouth? "Woo hoo!" and a big grin.
This time around, I have some bruising around the piercings, but much less lymphing. I've been continuing my aftercare, with good results. While my first piercings recovered speedily, with zero problems after the weekend, this round has been slightly sore and sensitive. I suspect one of the new ones exits right next to a nerve, and pinches easily, so I've been doing more of the bow-legged Cowboy Walk than usual. But it's been subsiding nicely, and looks great. I have half of my Jacob's Ladder done, and am looking forward to getting the rest of it. I'm also planning on stretching my ladder to 8ga 3/4in CBRs, after all the holes have healed.
As for the reactions of my SO's... My hubby is neutral to positive about it, though he can't quite figure why I've done this (I haven't explained the symbolism to him yet). My other two SO's thoroughly approve and enjoy the way it looks. Me? I'm looking forward to the PA, too, and am sorely tempted by nipple piercings. We'll see... One project at a time...