The Long Road to a PA and the Next 6mos.

At A Glance Author Brian Contact no_one@budweiser.com Artist Kathy Studio Always Ink Location Hollywood, CA

Back in '96, I got my tongue pierced following a traumatic incident bewtween myself and my girlfriend. I then spent as much time as possible upgauging and centering my thoughts on that, swearing I would never get another piercing. The next year, I got my nipples pierced when we broke up, again swearing it would be my last piercings ever. Okay by this time I began to admit that they were addictive, but didn't think I could succumb. Then, nine months later, I found out a horrible truth about her infidelity and I was provoked into getting my PA.

Okay, it wasn't really all her fault. I had been cruising to BME for the previous few weeks, and had received a suggestion from a friend. But in all honesty, the thing that put me over the edge was a gift: I received a key-chain that read, "Guess where I am pierced". Well any time anyone saw it they naturally thought it was a PA, and I got tired of casting my eyes down and saying, "No, guess again."

So I cased a few places to get pierced, and then finally settled on the one that my friends had suggested. I harrassed a few friends and finally one of the brothers in my fraternity Brian Frisch (to clarify which Brian in my fraternity) and HIS girlfriend, Sarah, offered to drive me out there, as I was carless at the time, and feared driving with a piercing like that to begin with.

We got there and apprehension almost overtook me, but then one of the piercers (who would later do my 2nd and 3rd tongue piercings), Mark, made a comment to me, "Well, all women wanna know what it's like..." I don't want to sound like a pig, but it was a stirring argument.

I waited for a moment as the people before me received matching labrets (awww... how cute... Whatever!). Apprehension was building in me to an almost uncontrollable level, and I am not uite sure why. When I had my tongue done, it was nothing to me. The nipples caused me no fear. I guess when you place your manhood in the hands of someone else who you KNOW is going to offer it up to sharp instruments, you feel a little off. Then it was my turn. I stepped into the area reserved for the piercer, and she closed the doors behind myself and Sarah (male insecurities prevented me from allowing Brian to come in, but hell, Sarah is a grrl). I sit down and Kathy begins explaining the procedure and care, and piercing and the whole nine, but rather than relaxing me, I can feel my heart beating like a drum. She assures me that this is better because it makes it easier to find the veins as not to cause serious damage, I feel more than a little skeptical.

The tray of instruments only causes me to squirm more. She has already pointed out each individual item, described its task and when/how it is to be used. I was momentarily confused as to the need for the receptacle tube, but this was quickly clarified in the opening moments of the experience.

After all this, she tells (not asks) me to drop my pants and boxers. She has everything prepped out on a tray, and gets right to work. A little 'investigation' to search for veins for appropriate positioning, a couple of pen marks and then a swab of the area to clean it. She then has Sarah hold the receiver tube and Kathy lines everything up. One... Two... BAM! Wow, it didn't hurt that bad. And then I had a 12g CBR in my penis. In retrospect, the nipples were much worse, hell my tongue made me light headed, but this was nothing. After a few comments of praise for not even yelping, Kathy offers me a place to sit for a moment, and some cool water to drink. Then I noticed the time. Since I was being driven, my piercers said it would be fine to leave, so off we went. I was already going to be late to meet my ride to Vegas!

The walk to the car wasn't that bad. The drive home was nothing. Heck, even the drive to Vegas was nothing. BUT, we stopped for a piss break, and DAMN did it hurt. I was able to clean the small amount of coagulated blood and then off we went. The weekend in Vegas was incredible, mildy painful, but all in all, not that bad.

Survived the first few weeks by awkward waddling instead of walking. Then all of a sudden it was better, and everything was happier. EVERYTHING!

Well it is six months later, and I just upgauged for the first time to 10g circ bb, I think I like this jewelry better. It is definitely a conversation piece (or stopper depending on the circle), and I love it. It is something that will be obvious that SOMETHING is wrong for the first few weeks as walking is significantly impaired unless you happen to have a herculean pain tolerance, but other than that, it seemed to heal quickly and happily. Upgauging was significantly less threatening and painful than I had heard or imagined, much less than upgauging a tongue or nipple at any rate!

I strongly suggest this addition for any and every one, not only it it an attractive addition, but also returns benefits beyond the pain that is incurred in its placement.

Feel free to mail me with questions or comments.

Brian