So it all began one fine Friday. Weeks of anticipation were finally coming to a close as I was getting my tongue pierced that very afternoon. This was to be my third piercing (I also have lobes and cartilage) and what I considered my first "proper" piercing. I was well equipped with knowledge after a last minute frenzied read of BME experiences and a quick check over Google. BME reassured me enormously, with many people taking the "pffft, didn't even hurt" approach. Google? Not so reassuring. See, I am one of those people who are usually able to pinpoint the worst possible scenario and twist it until it could possibly apply to me. After gawking at pictures of mutilated tongues and reading the typical horror stories, I tottered off to school in a state of terror.
At A Glance Author Imogenlikewhoa Contact Imogenlikewhoa@bme.anon When It just happened Artist ....? Studio The Piercing Shop Location Brisvegas In preparation of the piercing, I had purchased the yellow Listerine (anti - bacterial, I do believe) and a pack of neurofen (containing ibuprofen to alleviate the swelling). Upon arrival to the place I was to be pierced, however, I was told Listerine wasn't the best and given some Biotene mouthwash.
Anyway, I drifted through the school day in a daze until it came time for little old me to board the bus and ride to what I had convinced myself was going to give me a permanent lisp. Being one to overestimate time, I arrived a grand total of two hours early. Not able to stand my own company, I decided to grab my 'last meal' at Mickey D's and was met with flabbergasted stares after I listed my order (yes, this little girl can eat). At last it was time for me to go and get pierced.
At the reception of the piercing shop, I was met with incredibly friendly staff who proceeded to calm my nerves. A few customers smiled at me and another gave me a wink and pulled out that oh so original "going to cry, little emo?" line. Giving him a scowl, I returned my attention to the lady at the desk who asked me to take a seat while we waited for the piercer. Five minutes later, my piercer (I've completely forgotten her name) arrived and I was ushered into the piercing room. Immediately my eyes scanned the conditions and the whole room looked completely spotless. I was then asked to rinse my mouth out with some nasty mouthwash which I would honestly describe as the worst part. After a consultation from someone and after being shown the equipment was new (taken out of its sealed package), the piercer re - entered and told me to hop off the dentist - like chair I was sitting on. Confused, I slid off, not sure where she was planning to have me sit. The piercer sat me down on a small stool and slid a bar in front of me to help keep me stable. She drew a dot on my tongue and asked for my confirmation. I gave her the thumbs up and she called for another person to enter the room. It turned out this lucky woman was to hold a cup under my mouth to catch the drool. Oh yes, I felt sexy then.
Finally, the piercing began to take place. My piercer brought out the dreaded clamps and fastened them on. For me, these really weren't painful. Just pressure. Next came the actual piercing. I shut my eyes and braced myself. The piercer went from bottom to top with the needle and it was, as most of BME will tell you, nothing more than a little pinch. She then inserted the jewellery and gave me my tongue back. It was definitely a strange feeling, and the bar (long to accommodate the swelling) felt massive in my mouth. Thanking the piercer, I left and bought a slurpee (which was quite difficult to drink) and caught the bus home.
My tongue didn't swell until the next day, when I began to talk very strangely. I did find it difficult to eat, but I managed to eat solids. I sucked on ALOT of ice and rinsed my mouth with the Biotene after eating anything other than ice. I also avoided very hot or spicy foods, but ignored the no dairy rule. The following day my tongue had swelled even more and filled up the entire bar. I continued to speak strangely and it was still difficult to eat. The following two days resulted in much the same symptoms and I am now hoping the swelling will start going down on my FIFTH day. Grr.
I've bought something called "Betadine" which was recommended to me by the chemist to help with the swelling. Since, I have read that this is not good for the piercing, but I'm not sure.
All in all, the piercing itself was absolutely nothing to fret over, but the aftercare is a bit of a pain. However I absolutely ADORE this piercing and can't wait until I have the bar downsized so I can enjoy it more. I'd recommend it to anyone who is prepared to forgo a week of eating normally.
(Now I just hope my parents don't find out!)