My daith piercing experience (pain, after care, recommendations)

4/17/16

So a few days ago I got my daith pierced (4/13 actually). I had done a bit of research on it. Honestly just trying to figure out if this was going to be a breeze or the mother bitch of all piercings. I have several piercings but since my mom reads my blog I won't to into all those details here (you're welcome mom!). From what I read it sounded like it would be a breeze, similar to nose, which honestly I didn't feel until they put the jewelry in. Lies. Complete bullshit in fact. I will say that with a caveat, I think it completely depends on your anatomy, which in turn impacts how slowly or quickly the piercer can ram that piercing rod through there. I was a lucky little winner of the bad anatomy game apparently because as soon as I sat down and he started drawing he said "I'm going to have to go slow and you can't move" to which my response was "sweet Jesus please go as fast as possible". He did not. But I also understand that he needed to be cautious and get the piercing aligned. 

Pre piercing:

You can do all the research you want but you will never get a true understanding of what it feels like since everyone's anatomy is different. *side note: I have a pretty dang high pain tolerance*

Do your research on piercers. Don't try to save a buck and go for a $20 piercing. Go somewhere clean and reputable. If you can't eat off of the floor walk the F out. Seriously. I was lucky enough to be able to go to my favorite place in Okinawa, I would lick the floor it's so clean! They have pierced me before and I trust them. They don't rush anything. They sterilize everything. And they take forever to mark you and line things up to make sure it's perfect. This kind of attention to detail is important. 

Research your jewelry. You can go cheapest and get stainless or you can go safer (less chance of your body having a reaction to it) and get titanium. All personal decisions (you do you boo) but all decisions that you should be able to make and the piercing shop should be able to answer any questions. 

I spent a long time trying to pick out my jewelry. I'm indecisive and they have a lot of options. The piercer never once made me feel rushed and in fact offered suggestions when he got an idea of what I was looking for. 

Where did I go? Body Decoration Studio Truth (in Okinawa Japan). I can't recommend them enough for people in the area. 

In the chair/the piercing:

I anticipated laying down (which perhaps would have been more relaxing and comfortable) as that's what a lot of people wrote about their piercing experience. That wasn't what happened. The piercer kept me sitting up (and not leaning back against the chair)

No lie he spent at least 15 minutes marking, erasing, re marking, and making sure things were lined up. By this time I was ready to barf and crap my pants (too much waiting before the needle!)

He told me that he would have to go slow and that I could not move. Jesus this was starting to sound like a great time! I was also starting to think that maybe I should have taken a shot or two of the old Russian elixir before going in (no you should not drink before piercings. No I have not gotten pierced after drinking)

So I'm sitting up with my back not against the back of the chair. Trying to sit up straight (not move) and he says "ready" (too late if I'm not). I take a few breath and it starts. The piercing took about 15 seconds vs 2-5 seconds of ones where I've been clamped. The noise is disgusting. You can't prepare for that. And because this was so slow it pretty much felt like what it was. A metal 16 gauge needle going through my ear and cartilage. The first and end parts were the worst of the actual piercing. I assume through thicker cartilage. 

It was pretty uncomfortable when the piercing was finished and the needle was sitting in there (before he put the jewelry in) I knew the worst part would be coming. 

Putting he jewelry in hurt like hell. It felt like he was putting a 14 gauge barbell into a 16 gauge piercing hole. But it's quick. Much quicker than the piercing. Once that was situated it was smooth sailing. Putting the balls on the end of it then the gemstone in the middle were simple. 

After piercing/after care:

The day of the piercing I didn't really feel it after that. Things were fine. I followed my cleaning instructions. 

Yesterday it was pretty sore. Like a dull ache. The ear was a bit red (I had also caught myself in the night rolling to that side so I think it irritated it). 

Today it's still sore, a dull ache. I don't touch the jewelry and clean it following the instructions. The area around the piercing looks good but I will say, it's hard to see and clean. I use a hand mirror while looking in the bathroom mirror to make sure I'm getting it cleaned properly. 

Random:

I did intend on getting both done when I went in there but the piercer wouldn't do both at the same time as the healing is difficult and if you have both its really challenging to get them healed (with sleep g and day to day stuff). I'm glad I didn't 

Will I go back and get the other one done? Not sure. We will see if this one heals up nicely. Perhaps when I forget the initial pain I'll be a dumbass and go back for more!

Headache relief? Not sure. My ear has a constant ache right now as it's healing but hopefully it does help for headache relief. If not I have a really cute piercing as my consolation prize!

I will post an update later on when it has had more than a few days to heal!