At age 38 I have decided it was time to modify my being, was tired of the present. Months of research and discussions with the wife decided to get a Prince Albert and several celtic tattoos.
At A Glance Author Jon Contact jpschefcrow@aol.com When A week ago Artist Steve Studio Flesh Chamber Location Appleton, WI Life is still to complicated for a publicly visible piercing, besides my existing left ear, leaving the "semi-private" PA. The PA can be displayed in the locker room and bedroom. Not desiring to be the loudest in the crowd, I thought a curved barbell would be best. Thoughts of a large ring swinging at the end of my privates just didn't fit me. A simple bead at the end and underneath will work fine. My eight-year-old son might not spot a barbell quite so quickly. Don't want him running to Grandma with a new tale!
Searched the web for as much information as possible before getting comfortable about sticking my buddy. Links mostly listed recommended starting jewelry as 10ga captive bead rings, noting ease of cleaning and lower chance of body rejecting or migrating piercing. Read all about aftercare and healing periods, as well as timetable regarding sexual contact during sensitive time. Being circumcised and with a normal hang to the left wanted to get PA positioned to the right of the frenum.
Armed with the information of what I wanted and where, it was time to search for a competent piercing/tattoo studio. Stopping at or driving by most shops in this area decided Wicked Ink, Neenah, WI was best. Unfortunately the shop was in the process of moving into a new facility and my appointment had to be rescheduled at the last minute. Originally scheduled for Friday evening, so I would have the weekend to relax, changed to Wednesday the following week. Change really sucks having gotten myself all psyched for getting pierced on Friday. Messages on the answering machine tipped off the wife to my plans, prompting a very difficult phone call at work!
Rescheduling was for the best, the new shop name/location was great, the new "FLESH CHAMBER", in Appleton, WI. Piercing was to be done by Steve, seemed friendly and knowledgeable about topic. After a few additional days to ponder my decision, the wife was more receptive to my plans.
Called and confirmed everything was on schedule for opening day of the new store, Health Department approved and ready for business. Heading to the shop after work, I was all prepared to get my first major piercing. Met Steve at the door and discussed the piercing before he went to prepare the room. Atmosphere was very relaxed, staff well organized, and the new shop extremely sanitary. While Steve got things ready I filled out the necessary consent forms in the waiting room.
Taking me back to the room was like going into the dentist's office. Steve was very professional and explained in great detail procedure, equipment, sterilization, jewelry, and aftercare. Explained to Steve my desire for a curved barbell down the road and possible increase to 8ga. Discussed jewelry size briefly, and how I thought in my preliminary researches a 1" or 1-1/8" ring would be what I needed. Almost all the web sites visited listed most common starting size to be 5/8" or 3/4". No matter how I measured my tool the common sounded too small for my erect state. Steve suggested we try the 3/4" CBR and if I have a pinching problem he could order a larger size and switch it out upon arrival.
Steve's experience and polite presentation was greatly appreciated, setting at ease a very sensitive topic. Conversation was kept on through-out the procedure, preventing any uncomfortable silent periods. After discussing desired piercing location, it was time to drop my pants. Fully confident to allow Steve to handle my equipment I got in the chair.
Putting a disposable cloth with a hole in the center around my groin to contain any fluids, Steve seemed like a doctor. Changing gloves frequently he cleaned the area and marked the intended location of piercing, I confirmed location was ok with my choice of slightly off center and to my right.
To aid with the insertion of the receiving tube a cream was worked into my urethra with a q-tip. Not a very comfortable feeling, but the cream did have mild anesthetic properties. As expected the most uncomfortable part of the piercing was the manipulation and insertion of the receiving tube.
With the tube in place Steve was ready to do the piercing. Take a few breaths and we'll go on three. They say "no pain no gain"! The pain was intense but only for a few brief seconds. Staying still in the chair was the hardest part, Steve saying "you sat very well". The worst was over. I am sitting in a chair with a needle and a cork sticking out of my tool, what a sight.
Time to insert my new jewelry, insertion and closure of jewelry was a rush, what a bizarre feeling. Steve had picked out a hematite bead ball, looks really cool with the stainless.
Bleeding was nominal and at an expected level. A small amount of peroxide was applied Steve said "don't use peroxide at home on piercing, he only does this now to help speed the clotting process."
Time for clean-up and a first view of my new look. I could notice the weight of the jewelry right away. Wrapping the piercing lightly to contain any further bleeding. Steve changes gloves again this time putting two gloves on one hand. I soon find out his plan behind the extra glove, he slips off the glove and rolls is over my wrapped piercing. A few sterile rubber bands to hold the glove in place and I'm ready to get dressed. Steve confirmed my prior concern about jewelry size, "you are equipped heavier than most men and he will put a larger CBR on order a.s.a.p. and warns if I notice any pinching to call and he'll switch the jewelry upon arrival."
Once again Steve reviews aftercare and asks how I feel, "Great, what an adrenaline rush!"
All that was left was to square up with the bill; Steve knocked off $10 for the rescheduling inconvenience.
The whole procedure progressed at a very comfortable/relaxed speed, resulting in an excellent experience. Well worth a nice tip for Steve.
Would recommend the new "FLESH CHAMBER" and Steve to anyone seeking an awesome experience.
Should have done this, years ago! Thanks Steve...
One week later:
Definitely have pain issue when erect and plan to increase to at least a 1" CBR soon. Maybe change to an 8ga Curved barbell after healing period is over. As instructed doing two daily sea salt soaks, and healing fine.
This is great, feel like a teenager again, just thinking about the ring gets me aroused. Can't wait until the wife can take her first test drive.
Every man should get this done at eighteen!
Now it is time to look at further body modifications: contacted Abe at the Flesh Chamber to draw-up three Celtic tattoos, but that will be the next story...