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sleewell

just thought i would share my experience with getting a rib piece.

before getting it done i had heard so many people, including my artist, say how much it hurt and to think about another spot. i really love how they look there however and i was set on going through with it. i think i have a high pain tolerance and I'm able to put my mind to something and get it done.

the day of the apt came and i was really doubting myself. i would be sitting at work and pinch or rub my ribs and wonder exactly how much the next few hours were going to suck. driving to the shop i was sweating, thinking i didn't have it in me and that i should turn around and forget the whole thing. i got to the shop and my artist was ready to get started.... crap. well its too late to run away screaming so i sucked it up and put on the stencil.

it looked so cool that i was reassured that this was what i wanted and i would have to go to any length to get it. i laid on the table and told her to get the party started. the first touch of the needle was horrible, she couldn't have picked a worse place to start. it felt like it was digging right into my hip bone and i know i must have jumped a little bit. she looked at me like, "cmon dude you can do better than that". she moved to the area between my hips and ribs and that was much better.

i concentrated on staying perfectly still while rocking out to "the downward spiral" by Nine Inch Nails. it was going really well, kinda eerie. the music was in perfect sync with the tattoo, every time it got painful the music would rage out and totally help me. we got into this groove and really it didn't hurt that much at all, i was really surprised. at one point i almost dozed off, but then she returned to the hip and i was jolted back to that horrible pain from before. time for some Slayer i told myself, so then the real fun began and it got crazy.

the next hour was probably the most painful experience i have ever gone through. i kept telling myself i wouldn't die and that it would be worth it in the end, but it didn't help. it got to a point 3.5 hours into the session that i couldn't will myself to stay still anymore. i was a ball of sweat, my muscles were twitching and i was a mess. i kinda shot her a look like, "are we close to being done?" she frowned at me, sensing i had reached my point. we called it a day, and i got to finally look at the masterpiece.

although i could barely move i managed to get up and look at the mirror. words couldn't describe how thrilled i was, it was just what i wanted and more.

so the point of this long story is that no matter what people tell you, if you want something, set your mind to it and go after it. yeah this session hurt like bloody hell, and yes i have another one to finish it up in less than two weeks, but i will survive and have an awesome piece of art on me forever. i conquered my demons and i'm so much stronger now, it was a truly memorable experience. if someone ever tells you so think about another spot just because of the pain, tell them you are tough and get through it.

dickyknee · Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 6:39 pm Post subject:

Good to hear mate , i was told under my arm would hurt real bad , but have to say after the collarbone and nipple area , it was a walk in the park .
Like i tell people ....if you are in the right frame of mind you can sit through it quiet easily .
And from your story your were not really set for it but did so any way , so next session should be even easier to cope with .

Seamus_mb · Posted: Mon May 07, 2007 11:16 am Post subject: similar experience

Yeah mine was pretty much the same. I heard all the hype about the ribs being the worst but my attitude was I would pass out before I would call it quits. Some spots were really fine, and some were pretty rough. I did four hours and if it wasn't for the last one hour I would have said not that bad overall. I'm going to post pics in a couple days once it heals up.

sleewell · Posted: Mon May 07, 2007 12:39 pm Post subject:

i think the hype is good though, i think its a unique spot for tattoos and if it keeps people from doing it, it wont get trendy. and honestly based on some of the reactions from people getting arm pieces, some people couldn't handle a big rib piece.

dickyknee · Posted: Mon May 07, 2007 5:04 pm Post subject:

look forward to the pics Seamus .
Sleewell , i agree most will find it hard getting it done in ceertain spots and im sure i will struggle with a rib piece , i cant handle even being touched there let alone a tat .
I would imagine it is similar to the collarbone , which was a tough spot

sleewell · Posted: Mon May 07, 2007 5:53 pm Post subject:

my stuff on the collarbone is pretty small, but she still went over it three times, so it was a little tender. the sternum hurts, thats no joke.

honestly though pain is the last thing i consider when getting a tattoo, if i am set on the design and really think it through, i can put my mind to anything and get through some temporary pain for a lifetime of wearable art.

dickyknee · Posted: Mon May 07, 2007 9:29 pm Post subject:

[quote="sleewell"]my stuff on the collarbone is pretty small, but she still went over it three times, so it was a little tender. the sternum hurts, thats no joke.

honestly though pain is the last thing i consider when getting a tattoo, if i am set on the design and really think it through, i can put my mind to anything and get through some temporary pain for a lifetime of wearable art.[/quote]

I have a small amount on the sternum and it was probably the worst bit of all the work i've had done even though it was only a very small amount , was the only time i have ever ask the guy to stop , so i could sit up and have a breather .

Drew186 · Posted: Mon May 07, 2007 11:24 pm Post subject:

[img
this is one of my tatts

the first 5 minutes was hell, and it didnt get much better Razz

but it was alright by the end of it
what do you all think?

Torie · Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 4:57 am Post subject:

well done for getting through it. Like you said, if you really want something, then its worth the effort.
I got my first tattoo 2 days ago, part of it over the ribs, and although it hurt, it was worth every bit of pain, and just makes me appreciate it more.

rowdy · Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 3:37 pm Post subject: bumole

whats a sternum,only my mate had his arse done the other day and when i asked if it hurtim he said it fkin rectim. Laughing

rowdy · Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 3:43 pm Post subject: chicken

i think the worst place ive had tattood is my tummy i have a chicken and large cock across my stomach .The chicken wasnt to bad but the cock really made my eyes water. Embarassed

my wife says its the nicest one shes ever seen. Smile

the magician · Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 4:19 pm Post subject:

ROWDY

chic · Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 4:37 pm Post subject:

YES ROWDY....
dont go thinking its ten thirty and chic wont be on here.....
i have a rowdy meter,,,,, at the moment its on nearly smacked arse time..
and if you keep on, mrs magician will be doing it for me.... Laughing

rowdy · Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 4:41 pm Post subject:

sorry boss something came over me(snigger) Shocked

the magician · Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 7:12 pm Post subject:

ROWDY you never cease to embaress me i turn my back for 5 minutes and you are at it again.

davyboi · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 12:17 pm Post subject:

i got 3 stars going down my sternum, it hurt quite a bit, the worst so far, it was also pretty sore after for a few days (felt like some one had punched me in the chest lol) im going for lower back on saturday so see what thats like