When I was 18, I got my navel pierced as a spur of the moment thing. I knew nothing about piercings, and whilst researching how best to look after it (something I should have done before I got it, so it was probably not a great surprise when it rejected a few months later) I came across the idea of a VCH piercing. I immediately fell in love with it, and had to get one. So in June 2004 I went to Access All Areas and enquired about getting one.
At A Glance Author Juno Contact Juno@bme.anon When Two years ago Artist JP Studio Access All Areas Location Nottingham I arranged an appointment for a week later with the female piercer, Mandy. However, when I went there, she was off work for some reason. So I had the choice of either coming back another day, or having JP do it. I choose the second option, as by that time I was excited and ready for it to be done there and then.
So I took a seat in the waiting area, filled out some forms, and waited for a short time. I was a bit surprised when they didn't ask for ID since I was only 18, but I guess I must have looked old enough. While I waited, I flicked through the books they had there, and decided on my next piercing, which was to be a lower back surface piercing. I waited for about ten or fifteen minutes, and then went upstairs.
I took my shoes and knickers off and hopped on the chair. I had worn a skirt deliberately, so I didn't feel too exposed. I just hitched it up a bit rather than taking it off fully. I was nervous, but in an excited way rather than scared.
Next, JP handed me an aftercare sheet. He cleaned the area, and sprayed some stuff on it. I'm not sure what it was, but it really stung! Then he told me to read the aftercare sheet, and left the room. I was a bit confused by this, as he didn't say where he was going or how long he would be gone for. And whatever he had used really stung! But I stayed there and read the aftercare sheet thoroughly.
After a while, he came back. He took the aftercare sheet off me, and asked if I had any questions. I didn't, so he carried on with the procedure. It was very quick and painless. He performed it freehand using a receiving tube, and in all honesty putting the receiving tube there was more painful than the piercing itself. It was over in a few seconds, and then I got dressed ready to go.
On the way out, I paid (I think it was around £30), and got handed an envelope containing the aftercare sheet and a certificate saying what I'd had done. I'm not entirely sure what the certificate is meant for, but I stuck mine on my wall. They told me to come back or phone them if I had any problems, and then I left.
Overall, I found that whilst the piercing itself was great, they didn't seem very friendly. I didn't get a choice about the jewellery used either. JP almost seemed embarrassed about the whole procedure.
Walking down the street afterwards was fun. I'd just had a secret piercing that is often seen as naughty but no one knew about it. It was a nice kind of buzz. I have never felt any kind of sexual pleasure from walking down the road (or even travelling on a bus or other such activities), but I enjoy the mental aspects of having had it done. In all other respects, I was a "good girl". In fact, some people are still shocked and surprised if I tell them I have it, even now.
It didn't bleed more than a few drops, and it healed very quickly. I found the aftercare was simple, as it didn't need any special looking after. I didn't have any problems with it at all. I had it done with a BCR, which I later changed to a curved barbell. I have tried a range of jewellery, and find I like an 8mm 14g curved barbell best. I don't like straight barbells, although I have heard that some people prefer them.
Now it is several years later and I still love my piercing! I've never had a problem with it. Most of the time I don't notice it's there, but when I do it's always in a good way. I have found that it has made me more confident, as if I can get a VCH piercing then surely I can do anything! When I feel nervous I sometimes mutter "VCH...VCH" to myself, and I find that I can do things that I would otherwise have been too scared to do.
So if you are thinking about getting one, go for it! You won't regret it.