by corazon_de_oro » Tue May 29, 2012 5:50 pm
To be honest, I would start over if I were you.
Not only did you go way too fast and skip way too many sizes, but you used probably the worst things possible... Not trying to insult you or anything, just warning you.
The taper was the first red flag... they're not meant to be worn as jewelry, they're just tools for right when you do the stretch. Tape with an adhesive should never be anywhere near your ears. The only types of tape you should ever use for stretching are plumber's tape (usually sold as "threading tape") or bondage tape. Stone plugs should never be in fresh stretches, as they are very porous and can trap bacteria. Plus they just don't really get along too well with your skin and they're best for healed stretches. Double-flares should never be in fresh stretches either. Honestly, I'm really surprised yours didn't get stuck at such a small size! Obviously skipping to 0G was a bad idea, but spirals should never be used to stretch with either. Or acrylic. Also, stretching tools should never be pushed in gradually; if you can't fit them in all at once your ears aren't ready to go to that size and you need to wait longer.
What you need to do is downsize and go up slowly, one size at a time. Use better jewelry to stretch with. For each size you'll only need one taper and one pair of single-flare or no-flare plugs in glass, titanium, or steel if you're not allergic. If you have plugs with rounded ends you might not even need the taper if your ears are ready to stretch. Never put acrylic, silicone, stone, wood, etc. in fresh stretches, never wear tapers, spirals, or double-flares in fresh stretches, and never skip sizes. Leave about 6-8 weeks between every size, or however long it takes for your ears to accept the next size without pain or resistance.
I'm Lindsay.
I have 1/2" lobes and 11 piercings: left helix x2, both conches, both nostrils, septum, navel, and VCH.
My lobes are small but I know a lot about stretching and how to do it safely, so message me if you have any questions!