At A Glance Author Azariah Contact swivelchair@earthlink.net When Three months ago Artist Curtis Studio Dungeon Location Orlando, Florida As my 16th birthday was approaching, my parents asked, like always, what I want. After some thought I had decided on a weekend in West Palm Beach with my boyfriend. Due to inclement weather, those plans were canceled. My mother then approached me and asked, so now what.
I knew just what I wanted.
After doing some research (this site is truly a blessing) I decided upon a Nape, so off to Dungeon we go. Curtis had taken a measurement of my neck to make sure the jewelry would fit comfortably. My mother was hesitant on letting me go through with it. She believed that my long hair would interfere with it healing properly. We had discussed it further and she had completely changed her mind. I also did not like the fact that checking it would be so difficult. No one would see it either as I never put my hair up.
She asked me if there was something else I could get and I decided upon a horizontal Madison. Curtis then retook the measurements and set up a date for us to return.
The date had finally arrived and we set off yet again for Dungeon. My mother signed the all the legal papers and after a few more days finally had them notarized. She brought me back to Dungeon and waited in the car. My boyfriend and sister were with me this time (what sadistic people) and I was so filled with anxiety I thought I wouldn't be able to contain myself. Curtis had spent an awful long time making sure that the piercing would be level. Several times he had to start over but after a period of about 10 minutes, we had both agreed that it looked perfect. Only a few more minutes and my neck would have two new holes in it. This would be my first piercing aside from the multiple ear ones that I have.
He brought me into the room and had me lay down on the chair. He prepped the site with alcohol and prepared the utensils. My sister and boyfriend continued to poke fun and make me laugh. This helped ease the tension. I thought the pain would be indescribable. Curtis then turned to me and said "we are going to do a breathing exercise". He had me breathe in and out several times. He then said that he was ready if I was. I nodded my head and he positioned the clamp. It was uncomfortable, but not painful. He then told me to repeat said exercises and I obeyed. I watched him bring the needle towards my neck and I automatically went slightly numb all over. I felt the pressure, then the push. He stopped, repositioned it so that it would come through in the right location and then pushed all the way. If I had an ear on my neck, it would have felt like I had just gotten it pierced. The most discomfort came from when he paused however. That moment went by so slowly. Curtis then slipped the jewelry through (14g stainless steel custom) and wiped the little bit of blood. It was a sad amount really, hardly even a drop. I had honestly expected more. He discussed care, gave me a pamphlet and sent me on my way. My mother had expected it to look most unflattering, but she said it compliments my prominent collarbone.
It has been several months since that day and my piercing and I have been through quite a bit. It pussed, I cleaned it. It got snagged on sweaters, I cried in agony. The comments are mixed, varying from those who like it to the typical "Oooh, does it hurt? Can I touch it?" Many people believe that it is a necklace and others think it is impossible to get that area of your body pierced. The looks on their faces when they realize it isn't is priceless.
There are a few setbacks to having the piercing. I can no longer wear collars and certain shirts uncomfortably rub it. It has formed an abscess and it was most painful to have drained. The fear of losing it to rejection or infection has had my mind frazzled and I am constantly checking it. Even though I am so concerned about losing it I have, several times, removed the jewelry to ensure a thorough cleaning. Whether or not I should have is still a bit of a mystery, but so far, my piercing has shown no signs of migration.
I recommend this piercing to those whose job would not be interfered. The pain level was low ( and I have a low tolerance to pain). The care is stressful. This piercing has been most definitely a decision that I do not regret though.