At A Glance
Author	kermee
Contact	kermee@bme.anon
IAM	kermee
When	Three months ago
Artist	Kirsty
Studio	Primitive Origins
Location	London, UK

I got my ears pierced for the first time when I was 10 (it was for my tenth birthday) down at the local chemist with a gun. At the time it was the usual practice and being that I was only 10 and didn't know any better. They healed fine, but I was never happy with their placement. The left ones entry was ok but went down at the exit hole and the right one was off to one side of the central placement.



Fast forward to 2003. I had been searching around BME for a few years and had finally got enough knowledge to know that I should let the old holes heal over and get them repierced straight so that I could stretch and know that the result will be satisfying. So this was my challenge. I took my old earrings out in October 2003 and decided that January 2004 was going to be the month of change and progression (well, new holes in my ears).



I had chosen Primitive Origins in West London as I had been into the studio a few times before and knew some people that had work done there. I called up on the Saturday when my other half was out of the house and spoke to Kirsty the piercer. I asked a few questions including what the largest gauge they would pierce at (which is 10ga) and she said to come on down that afternoon at around 4pm.



I met up with Anthony (my other-half) and we got some food and jumped on the bus to the studio. And when we got there Kirsty was waiting for me (must have been a quiet afternoon!). I was asked to fill in their registration form and then I went down to the piercing room.



Once in the room, I decided in 10ga titanium circular barbells. Kirsty prepared everything and then started to mark my ears. As I said before, the left one was already on target at the front and we were happy to use the entry mark but the right lobe was a more complicated location. My right lobe must be a smidgen bigger than the left as the measurements weren't the same. We did eventually find a happy medium (more the centre of my right lobe than the same measurements of the left lobe) and things were set to poke (I mean go!).



After a change of gloves, the right lobe was first to be clamped and the 10ga canula needle was removed from its packaging. What an imposing sight! I think at this point I took a large gulp and tried to maintain my calmness. I was told to take a deep breath and then the needle was pushed though. As expected there was some scar tissue (or at least some harder than normal tissue from my old hole) and it did take a bit of effort to get the needle through. Once it was through, the needle removed from the sleeve and the sleeve cut. Then the slightly uncomfortable follow through of the barbell. And then it was all over for the right ear.



I had thought that my left ear would be about the same in the pain rating, but I must have got it all wrong! After taking a deep breath, the needle was inserted and Kirsty had a pretty hard time getting the needle through (it was definitely a new needle as I watched her dispose of the old one and take the new one out of a fresh packet). I think the pressure of it all was the most worrying thing but once the needle was through, there were no problems with the jewelry insertion.



So I was all done and before I knew it I was in the reception area handing over my cash, talking with Darren the receptionist and then I was out on the street heading home. Unfortunately I hadn't thought about the weather and the cold was making my ears feel a little unattached to my head – but I have solved that problem by wearing my BME calm beanie everywhere!



My after care routine has been warm salt soaks two to three times per day (dependant on the amount of crustiness). I am currently "babying" some over-excited scar tissue that has developed over the last few weeks. My helix, nose and triangle piercings all developed the same bumps and they all went away with continuing salt soaks and a little bit of love.



Even with the red bumps I am enjoying my new lobes and the way they look. I am also getting excited with the prospect of larger lobes, the stretching process and the awesome jewelry that is available. But I am in no rush and look forward to a very happy future with my new holes.