At A Glance Author mermaidx Contact mermaidx@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Wendi Studio The Lucky Monkey Location Ann Arbor, MI I was all excited about my Christina piercing, thinking it would be done by someone else. When I got to the place (I'll just call it "The First Piercing Store"), I got a lecture about "genital mutilation", "piercing addiction" and the like... This said to someone who only wants one piercing, and now that she has it, is quite satisfied enough! Though he did want to pierce my nipples, something I absolutely did NOT want...because of future reduction surgery...so that was also very unhelpful.
Needless to say...I left "The First Piercing Store" without a piercing (and quite upset!) I had done weeks of research,and was absolutely sure A) that I wanted this particular piercing and B) that it would work with my anatomy (why go through it if it would be quite likely to reject, migrate, or other disappointing result, right?) I had also driven for over an hour, in horrible traffic, to get to "The First Piercing Store"!
I then remembered how nice and professional the website was for The Lucky Monkey in Ann Arbor. I got directions and decided to head down there and see what they were like, as I wanted to feel safe as I am a completely new to body piercing. (Believe it or not I had researched the other shop as well -- I simply got a surprisingly disappointing experience.)
Well I had the most AMAZING experience with Wendi at the Lucky Monkey. She was the most friendly, professional, and wonderful person. She made sure the piercing would work and confirmed what I suspected (I was indeed a good candidate), plus she had a Christina piercing herself. She had learned what worked best for Christina's, and I felt I was in the best hands possible. The owners were also there, and quite a fun and friendly group!
She told me right away that it was her first Christina piercing to perform, although she had one herself. She said she felt confident in her abilities but she wanted me to know. It was kind and thoughtful, and after viewing her portfolio prior to this meeting I had 100% faith in her (and am glad I did, as it simply could not have been done better!)
The piercing went smoothly. It was EXTREMELY painful for me, however perhaps I have a low pain tolerance. In hindsight, I would have used my EMLA cream....but now that it is over I am just fine. I recovered quickly, she gave me a glucose tablet (I was low blood sugar by then, and neglected to mention it, this being my own fault. I am simply used to it since it fluctuates so rapidly as it is) She prepared me for every step, and I breathed in and out. Boy did I scream like a banshee! I probably scared her half to death, poor girl ;-) She immediately asked, "Are you ok?". I said "Yes..." then laid down to recuperate (haha). She asked me if I wanted to wait a moment to install the jewelry, which I agreed to and relaxed for a moment. She was so sweet and attentive, and we had a nice conversation while I chilled out for a bit about midwives/children etc (I am a mother of two). This really helped, and before I knew it I felt all back to normal ;-)
She was kind, gentle, and encouraging. Her safety/disinfecting etc. practices were professional and comprehensive. She autoclaved anything she thought I might like (as far as gems etc.) A little bit later when my "sick" feeling passed, I felt FANTASTIC! It looked perfect (she worked with me closely on placement to ensure I was happy with it prior to piercing).
I ordered 3 gems to wear, and we went over aftercare. She basically said that she is willing and eager to help me with absolutely any question, concern, or problem related to the piercing at any time -- no matter what, or when. They had already closed shop by the time the piercing was over, but she was unrushed, unhurried, and more than willing to take all the time I needed to feel educated and comfortable about the piercing and aftercare before I left the shop.
It has been three days since the piercing, and I have absolutely NO pain, NO bleeding, NO swelling, and my new Christina looks GORGEOUS! She uploaded the photos to this BME website (I told her she was more than welcome to use them in her portfolio), so if I am allowed to edit this story once I get a membership, I will post a link to it for interested parties, should it be allowed.
If you are even within DRIVING distance of The Lucky Monkey, I strongly recommend you see Wendi for the best, most professional, fun, and fantastic piercing experience on earth! On a scale of one to four stars, I'd give her a TEN!
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