I'm 16, and I caught the piercing bug on my 15th birthday. Being young, and looking it, meant I needed Mum's permission to get my first hole - bellybutton. It was so cruisey that I immediately planned for my second. I'm not allowed facial piercings, so I got my nipples done, I was still 15 but I lied on the form (so sue me) and managed to keep them a secret for quite a while! I then got my tragus done, with a gun, and it didn't hurt at all, so I'm stretching it (I'm up to 6ga). I needed something more exciting, but I was running out of places, so the tongue was the only option. Besides, I love the way it looks, like a pearl on an oyster (!?).
At A Glance Author Isis Contact Isis@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Cushla Studio Trendz Location Napier, New Zealand
I was pretty nervous when I went for my first. I mean, biting your tongue hurts like hell, so I thought this would be agony. Sad to say, but I wasn't going to show any reaction since about six of my friends came to watch, and I'm not known for crying, so I figured I would have to bear the pain no matter what. Luckily, the booth was too small for anyone but me and the piercer, so I got off light, though I had to squeeze the chair instead of a hand. Anyway, I had this numbing stuff, and it was revolting, seriously that was the worst part of the whole experience! The clamps went on, that was ok, but apparently I have a big vein under my tongue and the chick had to spend about 10 minute moving it so I didn't "piss blood" (thanks). By now I was nervous, like hurry up all-ready, and when I saw the needle coming I shut my eyes (way too close to my face for comfort!) It hurt, but not as much as I thought it would. I stuck out my tongue at the mirror, dribbled a bit, and went home sh owing everyone I knew. That night it hurt, and I took about an hour to eat dinner (burger king mmmm) but I thought it was doing great. I went drinking the next night - big mistake!! It was soo sore the next morning, on top of a hangover! I decided I really wanted another one though, because everyone here has their tongue done, and I like to be different!
I went to get my second one done, but it was only three weeks after my first, and when they put the clamps over the hole from the front it hurt like mofo so I decided to come back some other time. I finally did, but went to a different place, Trendz, which was awesome and I totally recommmend. I didn't have the gross numbing stuff, which worried me a bit, but since I could practically still taste it from last time I just stuck out my tongue obediently. Is it just me, or do people like dentists and piercers always ask you questions when you're trying to concentrate and can't reply? Anyway.. Cushla, my piercer, put the clamps on from the side instead of the front, so she could line it up properly with my first hole. I shut my eyes (I hate the needle being so close to my eyes) and held my breath... it didn't hurt!! It bled more than last time though, so I got to use a mouthwash which (you guessed it) tasted like the revolting numbing stuff and brought back memories... after pos ing for the obligatory photo I paid and left. I was actually more worried about having enough money ($30) on my EFTPOS card than I was about the pain, or the aftercare instructions, which I ignored 'cause they write them down for you. I also got a $5 voucher for when I go to get my shorter bar, how nice. I ate an iceblock about 10 minutes later and as a result had a bright pink tongue, very attractive. Note to anyone who wants it done - chocolate HURTS!!
It's been three nights so far and everything's going really well. I can't talk properly but I don't think my parents have noticed. It's the holidays, luckily, and besides, I don't talk much anyway! I noticed my first one stings and my new one aches, it's weird and round the wrong way. This one doesn't hurt at night either, though keeping ice water by the bed has been a big help. I also use mouthwash about two/three times a day.. and yes, it tastes gross. It's just another part of the morning piercing cleaning ritual (actually my nipples still hurt more than my new hole does)
I now kinda want my hood done, and Cushla told me there's heaps of room for more in my tongue, so I'm going back for my third when this one heals.. stay tuned!