Kelly - Tongue Piercing
I put a lot of thought into getting my piercing and I spoke to everyone I could find that had their tongue pierced. Some people had no trouble with their piercings and others told me that they had found it very difficult during the healing stage.
A lot of my friends were horrified and told me that my tongue might get paralysed or i would lose sensation etc. I didn't get this reaction when I had my ears pierced!
I chose the Sydney Body Piercing Clinic after checking out the website. I was impressed by the fact that the piercer is a doctor and the amount of info provided on the site.
Before we started Richard asked me why I wanted to get pierced and checked to make sure my tongue is long enough. I checked out the range of piercing jewellry including glow in the dark ones, spiky ones, coloured and clear and the standard silver and gold barbells.
Next I laid down (in case of fainting) while my tongue was marked with Gentian Violet (takes about 24hrs for the mark to come off). Richard held my tongue (he doesn't use a clamp thank god!), injected the anaesthetic then pierced me. There was minimal blood and apart from an unpleasant taste in my mouth from the anaesthetic, no discomfort.
I had a lisp for about 12 hours after the piercing and I took regular pain relief to pre-empt any pain. My tongue was swollen but not unbearably so.
The second day my tongue was very sore and i made the mistake of having a bite of someones sandwich. OUCH! After that I stuck to drinks and soups (cold food is reccommended but it was winter!).
The third day my tongue went white! I panicked for a second and then realised it was because of all the milk drinks I was consuming. Tongue still swollen.
Day Four I was craving solid food but my tongue wouldn't let me!! I was getting frustrated with not being able to eat what I wanted to.A friend brought me over some jars of baby food which I can highly recommend. Very smooth and quite tasty!
Day Five I managed some real food.It tasted really good!
A few days later my swelling dissipated rapidly and tongue looked fantastic. I did bite it a few times while it was healing, mainly when I was talking rapidly.
My only regret with my tongue piercing is that I didn't get it done years ago! Go for it! And as for that quote in Pulp Fiction about tongue piercings and oral sex, well you'll have to find out for yourself!
Kelly
Revised 22 August 2004
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