Nipple Piercings

I'm 17, but I turn 18 in early April. I plan on getting my nipples pierced, but I have some friends who have told me some things about it, and I want to find out if they're correct. The first one is that they never truly heal, that you'll continue to get what are called 'crusties' as long as you have them. Also, I was told that you will lose all feeling in your nipples, and that's what I'm most worried about. If anyone who has them or knows someone who does and can help me out with this can answer, that'd be amazing!! Thanks!