For months I argued with myself. One day I would say I would do it, the next I would say otherwise. I finally decided it was time to stop going back and forth on my decision and just do it.
At A Glance Author Jasmin Horne Contact Jasmin Horne@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Padraic Lindsey Studio The Piercing Experience Location Atlanta, GA I researched places in Atlanta to find the cleanest, safest shop with the most knowledgeable staff. I found the Piercing Experience in East Atlanta. They only use titanium jewelry, everything is sterilized before use, and the staff made me feel comfortable getting a vertical clit hood piercing. I called before I left and spoke with Padraic. I told him I was on my way and he seemed rather pleased that I had chosen to go to the Piercing Experience.
I embarked on my quest on a Thursday evening and got lost on my way there. I almost gave up at that point, but I found myself and still had time to make it to the shop before they closed. I walked in about 30 minutes later than I expected and Padraic greeted me. He shook my hand and told me planned on waiting for me to come, even if I showed up after their closing time.
I was given an aftercare and information sheet and filled out the usual paperwork consisting of questions concerning my health and what I wanted done this day. I gave the paperwork back to Padraic, who looked over it and asked me a couple more questions. He then took me back to a room to measure me for the correct jewelry. This seriously impressed me because no one else had ever measured me before piercing me. After he measured me, he took me back to look at jewelry. He asked me which color finish I wanted on my titanium jewelry. I picked a simple silvery polish with a hint of blue in it.
He then produced a sterilization strip and explained to me that it would tell me if everything was clean and sterilized after being autoclaved. To make sure this was my particular strip, I initialed and dated it. He took the strip, the jewelry and everything else necessary for the procedure and autoclaved it. While everything was in the autoclave, I looked over the aftercare and information sheet I was given upon my arrival. It contained lots of information about how the body heals, what to do, what not to do, tips for better healing, and information on the materials they use. It even has a $5 coupon in it for when you go back for a follow up and downsize your jewelry.
I finished reading the brochure and talked with Padraic and another piercer who works there by the name of Christina Blossey while everything finished being autoclaved. They told me a couple stories about their friends and other piercing experiences. We all laughed and had a good time, which comforted and relaxed me.
Finally everything was finished in the autoclave. Padraic came back and showed me my sterilization strip. According to it, everything was clean and sterile. We proceeded to the same room he had measured me. I stripped down and laid on the table while he prepped himself. He rubbed some sort of cleaning agent around the area to be pierced and spoke to me for another few minutes to try to relax me some more. Apparently I looked tense.
He then took me through some breathing exercises. I was told to close my eyes and inhale deeply through my nose and exhale through my mouth. The object was to fill my lungs fully, then completely empty my lungs. I tried to focus on my breathing, but it's difficult when you know some one is about to shove a needle through your body. He pinched me in a few places and asked me if it hurt. I responded by telling him that it didn't and not to pinch too much harder. I was again told to focus on my breathing and that the pinching was about to get a little more intense. I took a deep breath in, as did Padraic, then I exhaled with him. At the moment my lungs were about empty I felt a sensation very different from any I had felt before. I can only describe it as an intense and deep pinch. After another breath, my jewelry was in place. The sensation of the needle piercing my skin was a little more intense that I has expected, so I asked him what gauge it was. He simply responded by saying it was an 8 gauge. I didn't really say anything as the wheels were slowly turning in my head. I looked up at him and told him that the biggest piercing I have now is in my genitals, and I smiled a little. He gave me a mirror so I could look at my newest piercing, and I have to say, I love it. I got up and put my clothes back on. We talked for a few more minutes before I thanked him and left. I walked back to my car just fine and with only minimal discomfort. I go back in a month for a follow up and to downsize my jewelry.
I highly suggest any in the Atlanta area to go see Padraic at the Piercing Experience. He is highly qualified, and I felt completely comfortable in front of him without my pants on. He is very professional, as well as very personable. My piercing is not healed yet, so I cannot tell about the benefits of a VCH, but I am excited that it will be a good investment when healed.