This is a follow up experience.
At A Glance Author Liz Contact Liz@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Sam Studio The Works Location Whittington Moor, Chesterfield My piercer Sam and I were both very surprised at how quickly my first set of outer labia piercings had healed. My aftercare routine was pretty strict though, salt water soaks 2 or 3 times a day and no action whatsoever. That wasn't so difficult for me because my boyfriend decided to end our relationship the day I had the piercings done!
After about 2 weeks there was no soreness or redness and I could move the jewellery without any problems so I replaced my initial jewellery with shorter barbells, this helped a lot as when I was wearing longer jewellery I tended to catch them when I was in the shower.
I came back to The Works to talk to one of the tattoo artists about the design that he was drawing up for my side, but he wasn't in that day, so Sam and I got chatting about my piercings and was amazed that they had settled down so well, I've always known that I was meant to have genital piercings and I have a strong belief that was why they healed so well.
Luckily for me Sam was free a few days later and we arranged for me to go in just before the studio closed for the night when it would be quiet and she could lock the door and I could have some privacy.
I made sure I had something substantial to eat before I went and drank plenty of water.
Sam, as always made me feel totally at ease as collected together the clamps, needles and jewelery, all sealed up in autoclave bags. She measured up and checked the placement several times, having another set of piercings to use as a guide made this much easier and quicker than the first time.
Sam then asked me if i was ready and put the clamps on, left side first, the clamps weren't painful at all but for some reason the piercing itself was much more intense than the first set. I'm not sure whether it was because it was higher up, towards my pubic mound or whether (I didn't know this at the time) my period was due a few days later. After Sam had completed the first piercing and put the jewellery in I relaxed for a few minutes while the pain subsided, it was gone in a matter of seconds and I soon forgot about any discomfort once we got chatting again. There was no blood which pleased and surprised me, I was prepared for it to come later though and had already put a panty liner in my knickers for the journey home. The second piercing was equally intense but as my adrenaline and endorphins had already kicked in I barely noticed it and the discomfort subsided so quickly. After the jewellery had been placed and the balls screwed on Sam handed me a mirror so that I could see my new piercings, they were perfectly placed and not bleeding at all.
I was grinning like a lunatic and thanked her profusely. While Sam cleaned up and made us both a drink I got dressed. I paid, tipped and caught the bus back home, the bus ride was fun!
For the first few days after the piercing the area was tender to touch but not unbareable, cleaning them was really easy but getting my period a few days later made looking after them a bit more labour intensive. The site was a little red and slightly swollen, I took Ibuprofen to calm the inflammation and continued with sea salt soaks. Once my period stopped they were practically healed and were no longer uncomfortable. No one else has seen them yet but I think that's why they've settled so well. My first set have both happy and sad memories attatched to them now, happiness at feeling more complete, sadness about the end of my relationship. the second set fill me with confidence now, I've never had a great body image but now I don't think I'll mind leaving the lights on when I meet someone new! Piercings and other modifications have always been my way of reclaiming my body, making it my own and feeling comfortable in my skin. My new genital work also makes bus journeys a lot more fun and I usually travel with a big grin on my face! I've not got around to replacing the jewellery with shorter barbells yet, Sam is ordering some for me but they probably won't arrive until the new year. I'll replace them then.
Sam is a great piercer and the procedure was done without any fuss. My timing was off when it comes to "that time of the month" but I'm so irregular that it's difficult to judge when it might come around!
I'm thrilled with how they look and can't wait to get my third and final set. My only worry is what to get once the third set have healed. Suggestions please!