I always get myself a little gift over the week of Thanksgiving. I am always on vacation, and freetime = mischief. In the past I have gotten outrageously expensive shoes, a tattoo, a wild haircut, and amazing concert tickets.
At A Glance Author esperama Contact esperama@bme.anon When Two years ago Studio Icon Location Nashville, TN I contemplated getting my septum pierced for a long time. I am not a spur-of-the-moment mod'er. I researched it, looked at pics of peeps to see if I really liked it. Friends of mine recommended ICON on West End (it's moved now) as a great place to get pierced, so nervous me finally made the trek downtown. I sat in the parking lot getting dry mouth for about 20 minutes, and then it became do or die. I talked with the piercer for a few minutes ( I had chatted with him on the phone earlier as well) picked out a 14 gauge retainer, and went in the back. I chose a 14g because I knew the jewelry would spend the majority of the time up in my nose and I wanted something that wouldn't be too uncomfortable come cold or allergy season.
I lay down on the table as *dude* got everything set up. I practiced rhythmical breathing and tried not to pass out. I have a big fear of needles and use piercing as a way to confront my fear. 14 holes later, it STILL freaks me out. *Dude* poked around in the shnoz and used a wooded "orange stick" to find the fleshy bit in my septum. He asked if all felt well, I agreed, and we got ready for showtime. 1,2,3. WHOA. Sharp pain, not horrible, but very VERY sharp. Of course my eyes watered, and *dude* gets the jewelry and TRIES to put it in. After about 20 seconds of this, I know the piercing is already closed and we are going to have to do it again, but the adrenaline is pumping, and I figure he knows better what to do than I. So, after 2 minutes of poke and prod, he says, "It's closed up and I think I'm going to have to do it again." Whew. So I think I am ready and he comes at me with the needle and I have to stop him and tell him to give me a second. I get my head back on straight, and we do it again. SHARP pain. More intense than the first go thru...but to be expected. Possibly "god's" way of making me confront my fears more than even I thought I could. Everything works out this time, jewelry in, extra adrenaline. I asked to use the bathroom, and basically fell against the wall and dropped my purse; I was THAT giddy.
After I sat and drank some water and had a chocolate covered cone at Dairy Queen, I drove home. The day after that I ate Thanksgiving dinner with my family. It was odd that I couldn't see my new jewelry. It didn't feel wierd or really hurt in any way that day. Cleaning it proved to be a funny endeavor, but I finally found a way to dip my nose in solution for a little while, and then stuff soaked cotton in my nostrils. Very little drainage. Few crusties. Had to get used to um.. boogers getting stuck on the retainer. (Just keeping it real). I feel that the piercing was totally healed in 2 months. It was much easier than other piercings I have had.
I occasionally wear a small segmented ring that doesn't require a ball; I prefer that look for me. I would like to find an even smaller ring that just hugs the septum, but I have never found what I am looking for.
My main reason for choosing this piercing was that I hate my nose. It is of an odd shape, and kinda big, and I thought maybe getting this piercing would help me "own the nose" a bit, and like it more. It definitely did that for me. Also, I am a teacher, and needed something that could be hidden. I have really enjoyed having this piercing. I like the dichotomy of wearing really nice clothes, hair, makeup, etc, and having a visible piercing. Or the fact that I teach in a small town elementary school, but have piercings and tattoos. I have to keep some of my inner freak. Most people are shocked when they know that I have this piercing. I know a lot of people who do not like septum piercings as well. There was a time when I was very... grungy looking. I still can be at home, but my job and where I live require me to keep a certain decorum; actually it's I who have changed. I keep it funky, but I like to look nice. People still react like whoa. :)