I am fairly new to body modification. Until earlier this year, I had not even contemplated having any piercing done. Other than the traditional ear lobes which I had done by gun when I was 16. As they are somewhat messed up, I don't even wear any jewellery in them.
At A Glance Author Bettina Contact Bettina@bme.anon When Three months ago Artist Jeff Peck Studio Strange City on Whyte Avenue Location Edmonton One day while riding the transit to work, I noticed and admired a piercing I saw on a fellow passenger. When I got home, I logged onto the Internet and started searching. I just had to find out what it was called. Well, I soon discovered it was called an industrial. In May, I had an industrial placed in my left ear. Shortly afterward, although I liked the piercing I said never again - too painful.
However, it wasn't very long after that when I decided that yes, I needed another piercing. This time, I wanted it to be in my right ear - for balance. Back to the internet for more research. I came across a daith piercing and decided it was rather pretty.
I also decided on the daith, because it was unobtrusive and would be more comfortable for sleeping. The industrial was still bothering me at night and so I was still being careful not to sleep on my left side. I wanted to be able to sleep on my right side at least.
I checked around at a few piercing places in the city and decided that I would wait a bit. I wanted to make sure it was right.
In early June, my son told me about a great piercing experience he had at a new place that had just opened on Whyte Avenue called Strange City and that they were having grand opening specials. Perfect timing I thought - now would be the time to get the daith.
I decided to check out the studio and on my first visit there was given a tour of the place. Well the atmosphere was fun, the people were friendly and the facilities were excellent. The sterilization room at the front of the studio is definitely something the staff can be justifiable proud of.
So I thought, why not. I decided I wanted to get my daith done right away. I didn't want to wait just in case I changed my mind. I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to pain.
Unfortunately, because they had been so busy, they were out of the jewellery I wanted in my daith and it was suggested I book an appointment. They would order the captured bead ring and it would be there within a few days. So I made my appointment for a few days later with Ruven. And he even offered to extend the grand-opening special. Terrific!
On the day of the appointment, I made sure I had something to eat about an hour before the time I had to be there. I also stopped and grabbed my friend to come along with me for moral support.
We went to the studio and as it was quite busy, Ruven was not going to be available right away. I could wait, or I could have Jeff do the piercing. I thought sure why not, I had heard good things about both of them so that wasn't an issue with me and I also wanted to get it over and done with before I could change my mind.
Jeff took me and my friend into one of the piercing rooms where he very thoroughly explained the aftercare procedures to me. He also made sure I knew what to expect from the piercing and answered any questions my friend and I had.
Placement of the piercing wasn't discussed very much other than to show me where it should go. The area where the daith sits was fairly small on my ear and due to it's anatomy, the piercing would go where it was best suited to be.
Jeff then proceeded to get himself ready. After a thorough washing up and laying out of the sterilized and individual wrapped equipment , he was set to go.
I waited nervously. The industrial piercing had hurt A LOT and I was getting mentally ready for more pain. I tried to make a few jokes with my friend to lighten my mood while Jeff started to clean my ear. Well, I have to admit that the cleaning felt rather pleasant - tickly, but good. After my ear was thoroughly cleaned, Jeff told me to start my breathing. I was told how to breath in and out which I made sure I did properly. And that really did help.
The needle was in and through quite quickly. A sharp, little burst of pain which I breathed through and it was over. The ring went in rather easily. They use internally threaded jewellery and what a difference. No extra pain as the threads do not tear through freshly pierced tissue. Adding the bead was a bit painful however, as it was slightly tricky working around in that small area. Jeff was again, quick about it and it was soon over.
A wee bit of a clean up later - there wasn't much blood - and I was admiring my new piercing in the mirror.
The daith piercing throbbed for a few days, but soon afterward, I was able to sleep on it without a problem. I also made very sure to follow the cleaning procedures carefully.
I did have a few questions about the piercing afterward, so went back to the studio several times. Each time I went there, anyone I talked to about my piercing was helpful and friendly.
All in all, the healing has gone quite well. I have now eased up on the cleaning routine considerably.
Occasionally, I still have a bit of irritation in the piercing, such as whenever I have my hair dyed (which is being done by Jay who does hair at Strange City - what an awesome place!) I just bump up the clearing routine and all is well again.
Also, I work part-time on telephones and wear a head set. I was wearing it over my right ear and have now switched over to my left as the head set was trapping moisture and causing my death piercing to get annoyed.
I am soo pleased with my pretty new daith, that I cannot wait to have something else done. Now I am trying to decide whether to straighten out my lobe piercing and get them stretched or whether I should have a Monroe. Whatever I decide, for sure I will be going back to Strange City.