I love my PA. It feels good. It looks good. Last year, however, my PA of six years and I were separated when I had to have surgery for a ruptured appendix (don't ever have to go through that!). I don't know why they ask you to do that; perhaps it interferes with scans that they do of your body. Either that or I've been watching too much STAR TREK. Anyway, the surgeons made me take out all my jewelry, which, in retrospect, is kind of a joke, since I forgot and left my guiche in. After the surgery it was still there! I'm sorry I took any of it out...but I digress.
At A Glance Author Mr. Zero Contact Mr. Zero@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Noah Babcock Studio Evolution Location Albuquerque, New Mexico I went through a period of time where I didn't know whether I would get re-pierced or not. The surgery left a deep scar down my abdomen and I had to get over hating the way my body looked. Actually, it is an ongoing issue. I kept the jewelry tucked away in a small plastic bag. Then, a couple of months ago, perusing BME's magnificent site (no, I'm not sucking up—it's really great!), I knew I had to have all my piercings back: ears, penis, nips. BME's web site reminded me that, while I may have issues about other people looking at my body, I acquired my piercings in the first place for my own pleasure as well. I was irrationally denying myself something I enjoyed. I began with my ears and am saving the nipples for last, because I'm a big wuss for pain, even though I have been told I have a high threshold for pain. Yesterday was penis time.
Knowing the preparatory routine for getting pierced, tattooed or otherwise prodded, pinched, scraped or scarred, I ate a decent lunch to get my blood sugar up. It's a good idea to eat before you do something like this, especially if you are prone to fainting. I went in to Albuquerque's, Evolution followed shortly thereafter by two other guys, who, prodded by their girlfriends, were in for the same procedure. It was kind of funny watching them get all apprehensive, asking those silly questions like, "Does it hurt?" out of nervousness.
I had had an 8-gauge ring in my PA before it closed up. I told the staff at Evolution that I wanted to use the 8-gauge to pierce with. I know, from experience that most piercings should start out small and then be stretched gradually. I thought they would tell me that I had to use something smaller, but was surprised when they said they could do it.They sterilized my jewelry and then Noah Babcock, piercing professional extraordinaire, took me back to work his magic. We exchanged a few words, I dropped my pants, and before I knew it, he was ready to go. It would be more truthful to say that, although I had been through the process before, I was apprehensive myself. I don't think there are many men, whatever their sexual preference, who wouldn't be apprehensive about dropping their pants in front of a stranger who was about to poke a whole in their shriveled up manhood. Anyway, I was lying on my back, so I couldn't really see what was happening, which was fine with me. Noah had me take a deep breath and pierced with a 10-gauge needle. The pain I remembered from the first time, the little prick I expected was actually a little more painful this time. Perhaps due to the larger gauge needle, or perhaps due to my romanticizing the experience of many years ago and only thinking the pain was less. It all hurts, yet, ov er in seconds. But remember, he was following the piercing with larger jewelry. He had me take a second deep breath and inserted the 8-gauge ring. My legs went up in an involuntary response to the pain. It was kind of a funny moment, but seemed to help. The piercing was actually less painful than the stretch, but within a few moments, it was all over and voila! My PA and me were reunited once again.
Returning to the reception area, the other two guys were searching my face for any sign of their impending fate. I should have run out screaming (I used to be an actor). But instead, I walked out calm, cool, and, yes, perhaps just a bit cocky.
Let me just end my story with a nod to Evolution. They are not only the best piercing studio in Albuquerque, but they are a first-class operation anywhere. They are professional, helpful, not condescending. I recommend them to anyone in New Mexico looking for a clean, comfortable piercing experience. The entire staff has been great. I have worked with Noah most of all. He is highly experienced, confident, way cool, and just plain enjoys his work.
I have heard that the ampallang and PA are a good combo. That'll be a future project, but until then, I have a PA to get healed.