A year and a half ago, I had my nipple pierced – it was my first piercing and it hurt like hell! Shortly after, we discovered another local piercer, who had a better portfolio etc (OK, I should have looked here first!), and my wife got her hood pierced, which was an altogether more pleasant experience.
At A Glance Author Steve Contact Steve@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Tails Studio Primal Piercing Studio Location Edinburgh, UK Early in 2005 I moved to Edinburgh, and our thoughts turned again to piercing. This time, I took the effort to read reports on here first, as I figured I did not want to take a chance with a PA. Time and again one studio came up, Primal Piercing on Cockburn Street (how appropriate). The weekend was spent reading up on people's comments, experiences etc, and Tails' reputation seemed unblemished – the studio was chosen.
We had been talking about a PA for some time, but I was less than convinced, after my previous experience down south, but come Monday morning, I jumped onto the train for the short trip to the city centre. Tails works afternoons, so I spent the time before going up to Neal's Yard to buy the recommended stuff – Lavender oil, sea salt etc, to get prepared – I didn't want to have to walk too far afterwards! A bite to eat (another recommendation made on here), and it was time for the short walk to the studio.
Tails wasn't there when I arrived, but the guy who was in the shop was fantastic – after I told him what I wanted, he took the time to talk about it, helping my nerves somewhat, and explain the sizes, a bit of aftercare etc. I wasn't sure what to expect of Tails, as there had been a few comments on here about attitude, accent etc, but when he turned up, he was nothing but professional. I'd already been told there would be a bit of a wait, as there were a couple of people waiting for other piercings to go in first, but Tails changed that, and got me in first – no time for second thoughts here, then!
The first thing is, if you don't like seeing other people's piercings, don't go and see Tails! I am sure his piercings are mild compared to some on here, but he's by far the most heavily pierced person I have seen close up. However, I found that reassuring – they all looked clean, healthy, straight and so on – an excellent advert. The room at the back of the shop was clean, and he had everything to hand – including gloves, new needles etc, again, a fine advert. A quick explanation of what was to happen, and then in his characteristic style, "whip it out, big boy", and on the bench. Anaesthetic spray was applied, and my now rapidly numbing cock was wrapped and taped up. The spray takes time to work, which was why I'd jumped the queue – so I was sent out again now for 20 minutes or so, to let it get to work. "You could hit it with a hammer when you get back, it's that good" was his cheerful comment – an offer I declined!
That was the longest 20 minutes of my life! Edinburgh was crawling with police, helicopters overhead, and rumours of possible riots going on in the west end, and here's me wandering aimlessly with half a can of anaesthetic and a box of tissues wrapped around my cock!
Time to return – a small queue had now formed in the shop – Tails' reputation is obviously widespread, so I had to hang around a bit longer, for a tongue or two to be done first. Now I was nervous! I chatted a bit with the guys in the shop – no idea what about, but I am sure they're used to it – until it was my turn. Back in again, another new pair of gloves, no equipment laying about – no sign of anyone having been in there at all – now I know why he has the reputation he's got! A quick bit of chat as he got sorted, then onto the bench again. I have to say he was fantastic – no mucking about, quick, professional – probably the best thing to put me at ease – after all, I'd never before experienced another man touching my cock, let alone one with a needle! I saw him unwrapping a new needle, I felt something very slightly begin to slide inside my cock. I was thinking, "oh god – it's just going in, this is going to hurt", when he told me that was me done! Relieved is an understatement – I then dared to look as he slid the ring in and snapped the ball into place, strangely detached because as he'd said, I was totally numb. There was no blood, but he wrapped me up, taped it in place, and that was it. No pain, no blood, no feeling faint, hot, sweaty, flushed – the experience was almost a non event – apart from the fact that I've now got a steel ring through the end of my cock!
As I left, all hell had broken loose at the other end of town apparently, but I decided the train was my best option, and walked to the station – which was locked! A rather longer walked to the heavily policed other side saw me catch my train, but credit here too – I was able to walk up and down the steps, and catch the train with no discomfort whatsoever.
I'd read stories of lots of blood, so I decided to get sorted when I got home, mixed up a warm salt water solution, moved the mats off the tiled bathroom floor, and dropped my jeans. I realised I probably wouldn't have been able to walk in company much longer – the tissues were soaked, as were my pants, and a slight amount on the inside of my jeans. But there was no pain, so I untaped the tissues, and had a look.
It looks huge (the BCR, that is)! I am sure it's not, but when it's your cock you're looking at, a steel ring in the end looks bloody(!) enormous! There was a bit of blood around, but it was not bleeding, so I decided to give it a salt water soak for 10 mins, which dissolved most of the blood, and cleaned me up a bit! As I moved it around in the salt water, an occasional whisp of blood appeared, but nothing too bad, and being still numb, there was no pain. That done, I dabbed it dry, and left it out for a while (and took a couple of pics for prosperity!). The odd drop of blood appeared, generally as my movement caused the BCR to move, but otherwise it was OK. I probably won't stray too far without any tissues, or even without dressing it tomorrow for work, but the initial signs are good.
As I write this, it's just under 4 hours since I was done. I'm dressed again, sitting at a pc, and although still wrapped in tissue, things are ok. The numbness is subsiding, sending the odd itchy sensation through the area, but only for a second or two, and easy to ignore. Clothing touching it is ok, I guess if I knock it, I'll see plenty more blood, but I'm just trying to be careful – although not ridiculously so. Who knows what will happen overnight – I'll add to this as time progresses, but for now I'd say the experience is a good one.
And anyone in Edinburgh or its environs? Go and see Tails!