I had been debating a navel piercing for quite awhile. I talked myself out of it several times; forty-four years is too old, I'll embarrass my 15 year-old nerd son (even more), healing time is too long and troublesome, etc. However, I justified this by telling myself that I feel young and I'm proud of my toned, slender body. Maybe this is a mid, mid, midlife crisis, but three months ago, the timing seemed right. WTF! Life is too short! I visited a tattoo/piercing studio near my home and had a long chat with Jan. She was very patient answering my not so intelligent questions. Just get it done.
At A Glance Author poodlerat Contact poodlerat@bme.anon When Three months ago Artist Jan Studio Skin Illustrations Location Kansas City I filled out the forms. Then showed proof of id and paid up front. I remember following Jan to a room near the back of the studio. (I do want this, right?) My nervousness was quickly escalating. It began to feel as though I was almost having an out of body experience. I had the sensation as though I was watching someone else going through the motions. I had treated myself to a small tattoo on my tailbone almost four years ago, but I was a total newb with body piercing.
Jan was a pro. Everything was laid out and ready to go. At this point I was too nervous to back out. I felt almost numb. She started by drawing two marks for alignment and placement. Looked OK to me. (Thinking to myself, what am I doing?) The clamp was placed and I laid down, belly exposed. I was feeling slightly light headed but was determined not to wuss out. I was told to relax and breathe. I wasn't too concerned about pain. I feel I have a fairly high pain tolerance and besides, I had given birth. This will be quick and simple. Breathe in. Breathe out. I could feel the needle being shoved through my skin. Not particularly painful, but more of a pressure and pinching sensation. Next the ring was put in place. All done!! I am sure I had gone completely pale, but I slowly sat up then stood to take a look in the full-length mirror. It was bizarre to look down and see a metal ring going through my skin. Every time I looked at the entry hole, it didn't seem real. I instantly loved it. How cool was this?? (Please don't tell my mom.)
I spent the next ten weeks babying this new addition with salt soaks and careful cleaning. The redness and soreness were persistent. The problem was that I was continually bumping the ring, which would further irritate the top hole. After too much obsessing, I decided to go back to my piercer to have the cbr changed to a barbell. I had done lots of online shopping for new jewelry. Most of the styles were too large and busy for my taste. My navel piercing is a conservative one after all. (Grin) I ended up with a 14k gold barbell with a gold top ball and a faceted amethyst bead on the bottom. It's different and hey, I figure I earned a nice piece of jewelry! The barbell was placed in a sterilizing solution for ten or fifteen minutes. I was told that 14k gold jewelry would turn black if autoclaved. Even with irritation, changing out the jewelry was easy and painless. The piercing felt much better immediately. I haven't had any further problems to date. The irritation, redness, and soreness are completely gone and I no longer notice it during daily activity. I sure wish I could have started with a barbell but I wasn't given the option at this particular studio. My body seems fine with the gold and I believe the healing will now proceed at a much quicker rate. I continue with salt soaks and careful daily cleaning. I am now happily able to sleep on my belly.
I have done quite a bit of online research these last couple of months. I have become fascinated, ok obsessed, with piercing and have developed an appreciation for those who have many. There is a certain dedication that comes with these and I now understand how one becomes attached to them. They have a special beauty and appeal. I have offered to treat my 15 year old kid to a piercing of his choice. He just replies, "Shut up mom, I'm a nerd." What's up with that?
Yes, my teenage son is completely mortified and I have yet to tell my mother. I haven't decided if I'm the coolest mom on the block, or the biggest dork this side of 40. Then again, what you think of me is none of my business. Happily, my boyfriend thinks it is quite sexy. And I LOVE it. I'm now debating a nipple piercing.........