Six months ago I got my first piercing (my nipple) and since then I have been craving to be pierced again. But since I play softball during the summer I have been tentative to go (no jewelry allowed on the field). Until I seen a girl with her rook pierced and I just had to have it done. I called up my friend Jenn and had her book us an appointment (she wanted her belly button done). When we arrived the nerves started to kick in. I hate needles, blood or any sort of pain really but I wanted this piercing done. I wondered the store waiting for Ryan – the piercist to call us over. Finally he appeared from the backroom.
At A Glance Author MDR Contact redwings_bd_21@hotmail.com When It just happened Artist Ryan Studio Divine Location Edmonton, Alberta
Ryan called us over to the counter and led us towards into the back. He gave us the big spiel about what he is going to do, and basically a verbal wavier to make sure that if something was to happen he and Divine could not be sued. We then filled out the appropriate paperwork and signed all rights to sue away. He then cleaned my ear with iodine (a nice wet q-tip in the ear is always great) and asked me to sit down on the table. He drew two dots on my ears and asked me to confirm the position but since I could not see the actual dots I had Jenn approve them. He was very must a perfectionist when he was drawing the dots making sure that they were absolutely perfect. He then asked me to lay down on the table as he readied the necessary instruments. I waited in anticipation for the pain. As he was walking over to the table I was ready to jump off the table and run out of the room but I was so nervous that I could not move. He counted my breathing down "inhale on one, exhale on two, inhale on three and we're done". The problem with counting down my breathing was I was not breathing at the time. But Ryan was awesome! I was surprised that I did not feel anything but pressure. Jenn could not believe that I did not even jump, and usually I'm a jumper. I was so thrilled with the piercing; I could not stop looking at it.
After Ryan had finished piercing Jenn's belly button he ran through the after care instructions for each of us. He told me that it takes about 4-6 weeks to heal but it will be about a year till it would be fully healed. Also since it is not a very high traffic area it should heal without any problems but I should not go into pools, hot tubs, lakes, oceans, rivers, streams, swamps, or any kind of waterway for at least 4-6 weeks (so much for swimming this summer). He said that it was easier to clean too much then to clean too little and that less is more. About an hour after we left Divine it started to burn and itch but that was it for any discomfort. I clean it with contact solution or a saline (sea salt) solution when I wake up in the morning and again before I go to bed at night. It was hard to sleep on for the next couple of nights but I guess you have to take the bad with the good.
I went to work the following Monday and everyone was shocked. I work for the Government of Alberta, which is a very traditional organization and to have a co-worker with more then two holes in their ears is bizarre. But since then three of my fellow co-workers have had theirs done too. It was kind of like setting a trend in the office. If only I could break the suit and tie dress code then working there would be less of a task.
My friend softball loved it so much that we are going to go get hers done next weekend! The only thing that sucks about getting my rook done is that I did it during ball season and now I have to tape my ear before I go onto the field. My mother was less then pleased with my decision to get my rook pierced but has since realized that it's not that bad. She actually approves of me getting the left side done. Everyone has told me how cute it looks but also how painful it must have been. But if anyone is thinking of getting his or her rook done they should. It did not hurt a bit and if I can handle the pain I think anyone can handle the pain.
It has been a week since I have had it done and it is healing great. Ryan did an awesome job and I would recommend him to anyone who is thinking of getting pierced. Thanks so much!