Just got my helix pierced...?

So I went against what EVERYBODY told me and got it done with a gun at a Piercing Pagoda. How long will it remain sore? I'm just curious. Also, what all should I do to prevent anything bad happening [like shattered cartelidge, etc.). I've heard SOOO many horror stories about it, and i wnat to do everything I can to prevent it from getting messed up. hah. Thanks!