I've been thinking on and off for 10 years of getting a PA done. For me, it's one of those secret piercings you can have a smile to yourself about. Well, after a long time, the thoughts got stronger and stronger and today, I bit the bullet. With a day off work for carpet fitters, I decided that if they finished on time, I'd get over to Nottingham and visit Access All Areas.
At A Glance Author kaapiovuohi Contact kaapiovuohi@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Paddy Studio Access All Areas Location Nottingham On Monday, I e-mailed to check about booking appointments and for any initial advice (especially given my tendency to faint with needles). The reply came after around 24 hours which pleased me and consisted of the following: 1. wear supportive underwear, 2. make sure you've eaten, 3. get some sugar in you. Possibly the most important, which I was reminded of at the time... 4. don't think about the process. don't think about the needle. just think of it as "getting a piercing".
So anyway, around lunch-time, I checked the fitters' estimated finishing time, and phoned AAA to see if I could arrange a same-day appointment. They said yes, 5pm is just fine. The fitters left around 2:30, and I have to say I couldn't believe how long those 2 and a half hours wait seemed at the start. But I went for a shower (it's only polite, isn't it?), got dried and dressed, did a few bits and bobs, and by then it was pretty much time to go. The drive over was full of mixed emotions - was I really going to go through with this? Well, as I said to a friend earlier about it... I've had cold feet for 10 years about this thing, but I never miss appointments, and I've got one of those now!
I arrived in Nottingham, parked up at the Broadmarsh centre (I don't know if there's somewhere closer - probably), and bought a mars bar to chomp as I walked to the studio. I arrived there with about 20 minutes to spare, made myself known to the staff, and was handed a form to fill in (name, address, date of birth, allergies, it's not their fault if my nob turns green and falls off - that sort of thing).
The waiting area helped a great deal in calming the nerves. A gorgeous high-ceilinged room with lots of jewellery to look at, and lots of intimidating photos in the books on the coffee table. (I almost bottled it there and then, seeing some of the more extreme stuff which I was in equal measures fascinated by, and erm... how do I say it... it made me feel a little ill)
Well, after what seemed like a pretty short wait, Paddy came over and asked if I "want to come this way". Well, I did, but I didn't. But I did it anyway. He was excellent at putting me at ease. He's healthily laid back, but very obviously professional - I felt I was really in safe hands. Throughout the procedure, I think the words I heard most from his mouth were "Whatever you're comfortable with".
Well, there was a short explanation - talking while preparing stuff, I liked that, it took my mind off the details of what was about to happen. I said that I really didn't want to see the needle, and he said that was fine (and I didn't, either. Not once.)
Shots of anaesthetic were interesting, though no worse than deep heat (don't ask). By the third shot, I didn't feel a thing. Paddy then said he was going to do some stuff and I might feel a slight pinch as the apparatus goes in place. Well, I didn't feel anything, and after just a few short seconds he announced... that's it, all done.
My direct quote: "You're shitting me?"
A little more time while he inserted the ring, and I was all done. A quick chat on aftercare (as well as printed material). Dressed and walked back to the car with the biggest grin on my face.
The anaesthetic effect started to wear off after about 20 minutes, and right now, at 2 hours old, there's a "mild cystitis" type of sting, but localised to the piercing. Nothing unbearable. I had my first pee (made sure I had A LOT of water beforehand), and yeah, I felt the sting but again nothing too bad.
If anyone is in two minds, I would highly recommend getting it done. I'd highly recommend Paddy and AAA, too. The whole place is so professionally managed - reception excellent, piercing room clean and tidy without being overly clinical, staff courteous and knowledgable, pictures and jewellery displays inspirational.
I'm not sure what my plans are, but while setting up, Paddy explained options and experiences for stretching and so on. I figured I'd get the initial job done, and think about that stuff later.