Get my navel pierced

How I did it: I've wanted my navel pierced since I was probably about 13 years old.  When I turned 16 I'd begun to think about it more seriously, but I didn't bother to ask my parents because my 14 year old cousin had just pierced her own.  This started a huge discussion over how 'gross' my family thought they were.  My cousin offered to pierce mine, but being the smarter, older cousin I chose not to risk infection like that.

So a week after my 18th birthday, on November 13th, 2008 I finally pierced it.  I'd planned the day about a week in advance, knowing that it was a half day.  I got the piercing at about 1 pm and had to work from 5-10 pm that night.  Not the wisest decision, because my pants for work go higher then normal pants, but I don't regret it.

The piercer and the man at the counter weren't extremely friendly/helpful, but the place was clean and they both seemed to be knowledgeable.  So as I filled out the paperwork, showed my ID, and paid, the pierced asked if I wanted a curved barbell or a ring.  I requested the barbell because I heard it was better.  Now I hear that both have their positives and negatives.

When we went in the back, he marked my stomach while I was standing up and then had me lay down; without allowing me to OK the positioning, one of the things I wasn't too thrilled with.  Then he clamped me and shoved the needle through, followed quickly by the jewelry; which I also didn't get too choose, another thing I wasn't exactly happy with.

Pain?  None.  I have only had my ears double pierced, both of which were followed by a burning, stinging sensation.  This was nothing like that.  Did I feel the needle go through?  Absolutely.  But it honestly didn't hurt.  I took my friends advice, not to tense up and just breathe, and everything went fine.  Putting the top ball on took the longest.  Quick and painless.

The ride home (bumps in the road, seat belts, etc.), sitting down/standing up too quickly, bending down, wearing tight shirts/jeans, sleeping (I'm a stomach-sleeper), lifting things at work (moderately heavy boxes), etc. were the only issues.  But it was worth it =]  And now, 2 weeks later, it's doing very well.

Lessons & tips:

• Be prepared.  I read a lot of information and watched several YouTube videos before getting it.  They helped a lot.
• Stainless steel jewelry is best at first.
• H2Ocean = <3 Google it.  Buy it.
• Understand that sea salt soaks can take up anywhere from a half hour to an hour a day.  The cleaning process is long and tedious.  And you'll have to wake up earlier everyday to clean it and just because at first moving around is difficult.  Accept this, or don't get the piercing.
• Don't change the jewelry too soon.  It's not worth it.  Wait at least 3 months.  At least.
• Don't play with the piercing.  Only touch it to clean & rotate it.  You'll be able to play with it in a couple months, not now.

Resources:

• H2Ocean
• Q-tips

Nov 26, 2008, 10:09PM PST | 1 comment | 2 cheers