Well, I spent about 2 years finding my artist, and then had to wait another 1.5 years to get in for my first series of sittings (had to cancel my original appointment because of work stuff).
My first series of sittings went down last week, and went Wed/Thurs/Fri with a planned 4 hours of needle to skin time per day.
Day 1 was spent with a lot of stencil placing etc (took about 2 hours to get fully set up), and then the 4 hours of blasting went down. Got most of the outline done (upper/mid back).
Day 2 we completed the outline on the lower back and shaded in some of the upper back over the span of another 4 hours.
Day 3 we started on the shoulder extension I requested, finished that outline, and then continued shading various areas (whatever wasn't too raw), but ran out of time 3 hours in because I had to catch my plane home.
Ribs were intense, vertebrae as well...otherwise it all went really well.
I blazed on day 1, took a CBD pill on day 2, and handled day 3 sober. I would say that the CBD pill was extremely effective at allowing me to relax through the process, and brought my anxiety level way down despite my pain levels being more or less the same...I highly recommend you try this, if you have access.
Came home after day 3, left plastic wrap on for about 5 hours, removed it, rinsed back without soap, and then went to bed.
Now, 3 more days later, scabbing is drying up, so I am applying a little bit of unscented cream to get it through the day, but allowing it to just be exposed/dry at night after showering and cleaning gently with anti-bacterial soap.
I am now about 30-40% done, and couldn't be happier. I continue on with more sessions hopefully in 5 months (I am on cancellation list), otherwise won't be back in until July 2015 for another 3 day stint.
If anyone would like to see it, add me on IG (Instagram), and i'll post pictures up as it heals. My username is THECHIU