I had decided to get my ear lobes pierced—orbital style—months ago. After giving it more and more thought, I found The Hole Experience in Baton Rouge, visited one evening after work, and decided to get it done there. I told the piercer that I would not get it done then but ended up going back an hour or so later; I was ready. I did the paperwork and waited my turn while the ring was being sterilized. Before going in, Michelle went over the care sheet with me.
At A Glance Author solitaryone Contact jezebelle36@notme.com When A week ago Artist Michelle Studio The Hole Experience Location Baton Rouge, LA Finally, my turn came. I was nervous but excited. It was my first time to be pierced since I was thirteen years old. (I am 22 now.) I went into the little room and sat on the exam table facing a small mirror. Michelle took her time getting things ready and washing her hands. A calm feeling came over me. Michelle warned me that she is a perfectionist when making the marks for the holes. I certainly did not mind. She laid out and unwrapped all the stuff she would need, and then marked the spots with perfection. (I checked to make sure.) She asked if I was squeamish about bleeding because there would be a bit of that. Again, it was fine by me. I excepted a bit of blood. Michelle asked if I was ready to go on. "Yeah. I think so."
The left ear was first. She told me everything she was going to do. She held little forceps over the first marking. It was cold but warmed up quickly. The needle was in her hand. "Are you ready?" "Yeah." Following her instructions, I inhaled deep (needle touching the skin) and exhaled slowly (needle going through my ear.) I flinched. The flinch was mostly because, yes, it hurt. The other part was because of the sound. It was a strange popping. Not like the snap crackle pop of Rice Krispies; an odd sort of pop. My ear felt strange with a needle stuck in it, but I was feeling okay. I took a minute to close my eyes and breath. I told Michelle that I was ready for the next one. The same ear, next hole. The same procedure as with the first piercing. The room began to spin, but I figured that it would go away. As she was putting the jewelry in, my stomach dropped and the room spun more. "Is it okay if I lay down?" She supported my head as I laid back. I felt woozy.
I was just trying to calm my stomach and heartbeat. Michelle said it was probably from the adrenaline, but my low blood pressure could have also contributed. (If you feel sick, I suggest you just lay down, close your eyes, and concentrate on breathing just a bit slower than usual.) Michelle also put a wet paper towel on my forehead and gave me a Coke to drink. I felt like a complete loser, but, apparently, this happens often.
Once I felt better, although not great, she pierced one hole in the right ear and stuck a cork in the end so that I could lie down. I was not going to take the chance of passing out. I sat up when ready and she did the last hole. "Do you want to lay down?" "Yes. Please." It was really quite humorous. A minute later I sat up. I did not feel well at all, but I wanted her to get the jewelry in and the needles out. I laid down one final time. Michelle talked with me a bit. She said I must have been feeling better because I was not green anymore. (!!!)
Finally, I was ready to go. While Michelle started with the last customer of the night, the tattoo guy took pictures of my ears. I spent some time admiring them in the mirror. They looked really awesome. Small, green titanium hoops. I thanked Michelle for putting up with me and the tattoo guy for the Coke and left.
I have been by there twice to let her look at them. I had problems with infections when I was younger, so I am paranoid about that. But I rinse them and wash them with soap two or three times a day. Sleeping on them has been difficult this first week, but I really do not think that there is any comfortable way to sleep. You just have to deal with it.
If I could give any advice from my experience, it would be this: if you feel light-headed, dizzy, and/or shaky, it is best to lie down. Michelle pointed out that most of her customers who have trouble also have pale skin. If your piercer is experienced, they will not mind at all. Take as long as you need to feel okay before going on. And don't forget to breath.