I call this my first and only real piercing. My mother got my ears done when I was about 4 at the mall. I remember waking up with terrible pain. There was some old lady holding a gun at me, and telling me to hold still so she could do the other one. There had been a woman on each side of me, and the plan was for them each to get an ear while I was asleep, but I jumped and spoiled the pain. I remember being scared, and feeling like I had been attacked. When they showed me my ears in the mirror I was somewhat placated since they were very pretty, but still I would never do that to my kid. I never really cared about my ears, and still rarely wear anything in them. That gave me even more incentive to get the VCH. It would be my own, and not on a whim by someone else. I got it done 2 ½ weeks ago. I stumbled on the picture while I was online looking at images of tattoos and fell in love. I don't know how I made the transition from admiring them to wanting one for myself, but I slowly became obsessed. It took me months to decide, but I finally made up my mind. I was visiting a friend in Boston, and decided that would be the perfect time to get my hood pierced. I had read several experiences from people who had been pierced by Erin, and they all seemed very positive. If I didn't get it then I would have to drive two hours to New Orleans which had the closest studio near my hometown that I felt comfortable with. I wasn't sure about such a long drive with a brand new piercing (even though a few of the people here had done it). The drive and the fact that I would probably feel more comfortable with a woman piercing my cooter helped me decide to go with Erin at Chameleon. I'm glad I did, she's awesome.
At A Glance Author doc Contact doc@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Erin Studio Chameleon Tattoo and Body Piercing Location Cambridge Initially I wasn't sure if I wanted a VCH or a Nefertiti, but we both decided that a Nefertiti would be too much trouble to heal. I had read some reviewers on Yelp complaining about the friendliness of the staff, but when I was there everyone was incredibly friendly. I paid up front, and then waited for Erin to set up. The room was neat, and clean with a little table with stirrups up in the corner. We chatted for a bit, and then got down to business. She examined me first to see if I could get the piercing. Apparently, I'm a good candidate for vertical or horizontal. Next she placed the receiving tube. I was told that if I could handle the tube I could handle the needle no problem. I'd read so many reviews about the tube that I expected it to be hell. Some thought it was worse than the needle. I was a little surprised when I didn't feel a thing. At this point I was thinking "hell yeah this is a piece of cake", and then came the needle. For me it was just like giving blood (maybe a bit more intense). It hurt intensely for a second, and then was over. There was a bit of stinging when the jewelry went in then no pain at all. I was surprised at how easy it was, I didn't jump or anything. Someone else may have mentioned it, but it's worth repeating that Erin is super quick. The jewelry was screwed in in no time. I was wearing jeans, and boots (way to cold for a skirt that night) which had worried me going in, but I had no trouble getting my clothes on. I tipped and chatted with Erin for a bit, and then was on my way.
Leaving the shop I didn't feel anything at all. I practically skipped down the stairs I was so happy. Most likely it was the endorphin rush that follows the piercing. I took the T but had to walk about 3 blocks to get home. The soreness finally started to set in about that time. It wasn't bad though so I didn't take anything. The next day I had to catch a flight home, and I was gripped with this fear that I would set off the metal detectors. I was shaking when I walked through but all went fine (just felt like a bit of a dope). By the third day I felt really sore. I had a little of the cowboy walk going on, but no one seemed to notice. This was the first time I actually had to take advil for the pain. Three things caused me problems: I tend to toss and turn when I sleep which meant I kept aggravating things down there, I was moving to a new apartment which meant lots of bending and lifting heavy things up and down a flight of stairs, and I drive a Trail Blazer which I kind of have to climb into. Around this time I was seriously regretting getting it done. I know it takes about a month to heal, but reading all the stories where people felt nothing after a few days had me thinking that might happen to me which was not the case. I had begun to worry about whether I was cleaning it properly. I used the salt spray that they sell at the shop at least twice a day, but it hurt really badly when I touched it so I couldn't really wash it like I wanted. Over time the soreness began to fade. On day five I went to change clothes, and as I was removing my underwear I saw the bottom half of my piercing fall to the floor. I freaked! How on earth was I going to put it back on? I washed my hands and the jewelry with soap and water then with 70% alcohol. It took me about 15 minutes to get it screwed back in, and all that pulling made it hurt more. The next day I was back to duck walking which my sister was happy to point out. After that I made sure to twist the bar every so often to make sure it wasn't loosening up.
Today it's healing nicely, but still hurts a bit when I stretch the wrong way or accidently hit it in the shower. I don't regret it now. I love having it, and I wouldn't hesitate to do it all over again. I'd advise anyone on the fence about this to get it done. I'd also advise them to take it easy afterwards. I think my constant running around caused me problems. I also think you should take vitamins before and after. My diet which is normally super duper healthy was very crappy around that time, and that probably didn't do me any favors with healing. Overall I've had a good experience. It is a beautiful piercing, and I love having it. I'm getting to enjoy the "benefits" now which is awesome. The rush of having it done is rather addictive, and I'm currently planning my next one so stay tuned for more reviews!