I am set to have surgery on Feb 20. I have my nose pierced, just a tiny little diamond stud. I know that they tell you to remove all piercings, but the problems is that I couldn't take this one out if I wanted to.

I actually tried to take it out and put another one in about 6 months ago, and couldn't get it out without extreme pain. It's corkscrewed in the middle so that it stays in my nose. Apparently, it stays in a little too well.

I am stressing out over this because 1. I know that I can't take it out, and 2. I don't really want to take it out. If I ended up having to get it re-pierced, I will cry; it was horrible!

I am actually going to call my surgeon's office today and see what they say. I had read a few stories on the internet where people were allowed to leave it in, as long as it was covered with surgical tape so that it didn't get in anyone's way.

I understand that I may suffer a burn if my heart stops on the table and an AED is needed, but that's really a risk I'm willing to take.

Just wondering if anyone else has any similar piercing stories or experiences?

yes, i have several body piercings besides the ears and was like WTF when i had to take them out. by far my nose ring was the hardest. maybe call and ask your dr if they can leave your nose one in. the worst they can say is no. ..but if you need to get it took out, i am sure any piercer will take it out. i had to go and have them put mine back in. yes it hurt/stung but i lived and sitting here typing this to you now.

I have piercings in my nose and eyebrow....I left them in when I went to the hospital for surgery hoping I could leave them in, but no, the nurses made me take them out. I think it's just standard procedure. I hope your doctor okays you to keep your's in but if not, like CG says, I am sure you can find a piercer who will take it out for you the day before your surgery...

Well, I called the pre op department at McGee Hospital where I'm having it done, and they told me that the anesthesiologist may want it out, or they may just cover it with tape so it doesn't get in the way/ I'm hoping for the second option! 12 days until surgery. I will keep you all posted.

Spoke to pre op today, they are allowing me to keep it in so long as I understand that it may cause a burn and/or get dislodged. I can live with that