I only got my industrial a month before- the piercing was fine but the throbbing for the days after was like a period in my ear but managable. I was able to inflict major pain when I tried to slide it up to avoid bumping it and it was like agony. xDDD yeah so this point after the initial hassle its like its not even there other than the cleaning. 

 the throbbing for me only lasted a few hours! i didnt have any major pain...it always felt liek it wasnt there after the throbbing...except when i clean it, same as you...man i cant wait for it to heal...which will be a while =(