I had wanted a new piercing for ages, after getting my tragus pierced over a year ago I was definitely wanting, no, craving a new piercing.
At A Glance Author Jaynie Contact Jaynie@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Charlie Studio Sunderland Body Art Location Sunderland UK I'm not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to piercing but I have my tragus pierced, 3 lobes piercing (which were all gunned, but I know better now) and a navel piercing, which I had pierced when I was about 14 and had to take it out a few years ago. So I had been looking for a new piercing on BME and I decided I wanted a vertical labret because I think they look awesome. However knowing that my mother would be 'very disappointed,' which is her term for do it and I will kill you, and that my employer would be less than happy I decided to settle for another ear piercing....for now.
So anyway back to the point I went to Sunderland Body Art which I knew was one of the most reputable shops in the area with the intention of getting a daith piercing. I went in alone knowing that if my friends are there I get even more nervous than usual and would probably find an excuse not to get it done. I had to wait a couple of minutes while someone else was asking about a tattoo design, in that short time I suddenly decided to forget about how much I had heard about the pain and get an anti-tragus! I had read some of the experiences and it was probably half of people who said it really hurt and the other half said it was not too bad, well I was about to find out for my self.
I filled out the form and got a bit more nervous while I waited and started thinking about how much it would hurt and how easy it would be to run out of the door, or even go back to getting my daith pierced. Then Charlie came down stairs to get me we went up to the piercing room which is spotless. I sat on the chair and chatted about how nervous I was. Someone in the next room was getting tattooed and the sound of the gun was making me even more nervous. After some time sorting out what size bar would be best and the placement everything was set. I was so scared and prepared myself for PAIN! I think I kept asking is it going to really hurt but I can't really remember if I was thinking it or saying it! I had butterflies in my stomach, sweaty palms, the works but I was in the chair and I was not going to back out now.
Charlie was so nice and helped calm my nerves without saying it was not going to hurt because I think we both kind of new I was getting a needle shoved through a big thick piece of cartilage it was not going to be pain free. The clamp went on and that hurt a bit, then I was told to breath on the count of three and the needle went through and after a bit of 'crunching' (which I assume was as the needle passed through the cartilage) Charlie started putting the curved barbell which was uncomfortable but none of the process was unbearable. Not nice but not unbearable! That's when I finally opened my eyes and I looked in the mirror and I loved it, and I still do.
After sitting in the chair for a few minutes and a cup of water I chatted about the pictures around the room, then tried to stand up and went a bit dizzy. I often faint when I get too hot anyway and had ticked the 'fainting box' on the form so I sat back down and talked a bit more until I felt good to go. I got up again and felt fine, then remembered I had to pay (I had completely forgotten that I hadn't paid already and nearly walked out!). So I paid my money and thanked everyone for being so nice and went outside. My ear was throbbing a bit but not too bad, so off I went to meet my mother who was less than happy with the 'stupid bit of metal' (her words not mine). I think she secretly likes it though!
Anyway it has been almost 2 months now and it is not a happy anti-tragus at the minute. After a few knocks and general bumps it is still really tender and sore but I am determined to struggle on with the after care because I absolutely love this piercing. I would definitely say go for it to anyone who is thinking about it, but be prepared for a little pain and a lot of TLC afterwards!