I got my first tattoo at 16. Nothing fancy, just a small dragon design I had carried around for a while on the outside on my ankle. But it started a trend. By the time I was 18, I had four tattoos (I now have five). 6 months after the last tattoo, I was starting to feel the...Itch. That need to get something done. I realized that maybe rushing into another permanent design probably wouldn't be the best idea, so I jumped onto good Old BME, and started looking at all the beautiful piercings about.
At A Glance Author Katie Contact Katie@bme.anon When Three months ago Artist Timmi Studio Absolution Location Christchurch The industrial jumped out at me straight away. Until this time, I only had two holes in each lobe, but I never wore earrings (I'm not a particular 'ear' fan). But there was something about having a large bar jammed through my upper cartilage that just seemed so appealing. It was relatively unusual, could be hidden if need be (I have longish hair) and would also be acceptable at work, where facial piercings were not allowed. And I found it completely beautiful. So I started doing my research. I was new to the city I was living in, so, once again, used BME to find some experiences written about some of the piercing/tattoo studios in town. Absolution seemed like a good bet, so after much deliberation and thought, I jumped on the bus to the shop.
Now, the actual piercing itself went well. Really well actually, Timmi was lovely, explained everything really well, didn't rush me into anything, and went over aftercare (NO touching with dirty hands, avoid sleeping on it, sea salt soaks twice a day, how to mix said sea salt soaks, the usual). Im not going to lie and say it didn't hurt, it did, but its the type of pain where you know its going to be over soon, and that the end result will all be worth it. After I had been cleaned up (surprisingly little blood, I was half expecting a fountain, going by what I had read on here, but there was hardly any bleeding at all, which was a good thing. I can be quite sqeemish at the sight of my own blood. I mean, go ahead, bleed on me, as long as its yours, that I can handle), the only downside I experienced was a little dizziness, which passed quickly. So, after paying up, I was on my merry way, rather happy with myself yet hoping I hadn't picked up another addiction.
BUT, before you think everything was all shiny-happy-puppies-and-kittens, there are some things you really, REALLY have to concider
a) This piercing will annoy the HELL out of you. It is a constant reminder. You need to be very careful (especially in the first few weeks) to watch out when you are tying back your hair, washing your hair (actually, doing anything with your hair is a bitch for the first while), getting dressed (in particular, anything you have to pull over your head)
b) Let your piercer know if you wear glasses. I forgot to do this, and was insanely worried for the first month that because I was wearing glasses (that just touched the top ball) I was destroying my beautiful piercing and causing it to migrate out.
c) Sleep. This was, and still is, the hardest part. I had thought about what side I slept on (left), so I got my right ear pierced. It worked well for the first week. My biggest issue, I move a lot, and after the first week, was so sick to death of only sleeping on my left that I ended up making a sort of triangle shape with my arm, and slept on my side with my ear in the gap between my arm and the bed. Its hard to explain. But don't just think about what side you sleep on, there's one other 'sleep' factor.
If you have a partner (or are planning on getting one) seriously consider what way you will sleep if you share the bed. Try and avoid the slightly insulting conversation I had which consisted of 'I love you, but I just can't stand to look at you', when asked why I would always turn away from my partner in bed (even attempting to sleep on the pierced ear was torture.)
Its four months on now. My industrial has healed beautifully. It moved a little, but seems happy where it is now. I got a bit lax with the cleaning, and would play with it a bit, so that was probably my fault. I still havn't changed the bar or the balls, mainly because I can't get the damn thing undone. My family and friends have all seen it, and apart for a few 'OH MY GOD WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO YOURSELF?' the reaction has been positive. So, if you think and industrial is for you, go for it, but be prepared to baby the hell out of it for a while, and don't expect to be able to sleep on it once the initial pain has gone, you're just asking for trouble :)