Just before Christmas last year (that would be Christmas 2003) I decided that I wanted to get another piercing, I just wasn't sure where to get it. I already had many lobe piercings (four in my left ear and three in my right) and my left tragus, as well as my tounge and my navel, so after looking in BME for inspiration I decided on getting the rook in my left ear as well (I sleep on the right side so that was a no-no). This looked interesting and no-one else I know has it so it was the perfect choice (and it looked like it would get people going "ew!" which it has, great fun! They all think I'm mad).
At A Glance Author kookiemonster Contact kookiemonster@bme.anon When It just happened Artist John Studio Nirvana Piercing Location Glasgow, Scotland There isn't really anywhere in my home town that do any piercings other than the lobes that I know of that have had great reviews so I went into Glasgow to Nirvana Piercing, the place I got my tragus done. It's easy to find and the staff are so friendly and helpful and really put you at ease, that I've had several more piercings done there. It's also very clean, they wash their hands an awful lot, which I'm not complaining about, but I had never seen this level of care in any of the two places I had been to.
When I arrived I told the piercer, John, what I wanted, he gave me the forms to fill in, and as I waited my turn I picked out the jewellery I wanted. I decided on a dark blue CBR as I had a black one in my tragus, so I was all set. I got really nervous as I waited because of what I'd heard (that it was so sore I'd pass out etc.) that I nearly backed out. I only waited about fifteen minutes but it felt so much longer. But I was determined to have it done so I stayed. The longer I waited the more excited I became. Then it was finally my turn.
I was taken into the room where John had set up all the equipment, and as he washed his hands, which he did throughout, and told me to lie down, we spoke about our plans for New Year and Christmas (he's great at putting you at ease and taking your mind off your impending hole). He got a new needle out and began to pierce my rook, telling me to breathe in, and then out as he let the needle through. He didn't use clamps or anything so I had to keep really still for it. (Obviously)
Now, I'd read that you can hear a popping sound and thats its the most painful one to get, but I didn't hear a pop or a crunch (and I was really listening for it!), but I'd say that it was the most painful one I've had, although not too bad, but I kinda jumped a bit (couldn't help it!). I actually found my first lobe holes were the worst, because they were done with the gun *gulp* bad I know. John let me lie for a bit until I was ok to get up, the excitement and nervousness, and then the relief left me feeling rather faint. He explained the after care even though I knew it off by heart and gave me a sheet with instructions.
My rook is now looking good, although it was a bit stiff at first, and very gooey (ew, sorry!). I found that dunking my ear in a warm sea salt water solution really helped and I'm still doing it, but I haven't had any problems for a few weeks now. Better to be safe than sorry! I tried to put diluted Savlon on it but that is so not a good idea, it made it worse so that's why I started to dunk it. I've been back there to get my anti-tragus done and I've not finished yet. It's funny to see people's reaction to it, they look at me as if I'm mad! But hey, it's my hobby. Some people collect stamps, I collect new holes!
I've had to change all my CBRs to silver one's as my manager wasn't too keen on "all those black things" in my ear. I admit I suit it better, I have small ears and it was starting to get a bit crowded. So far I've been back to get my anti-tragus done in my right ear, and I might get the top of that ear done (I wanted a snug but because my ear doesn't join at the back I couldn't, so that's why I got the anti done). And now I want another... but don't know what yet.
If anyone in the Glasgow area is wanting pierced I'd recommend Nirvana to anyone. Jolly good fun!