@mayayoung,
Are you cleaning the ear area and posts with alcohol? That helps the healing. Also, if you have trouble putting the post in, try dabbing the post with Vaseline, a little dab is all you need. That should ease the placement. Also, check the end of the post that enters the ear lobe, if it's not absolutely straight, it might be very hard to insert.
Also, you don't have to take your starter posts out while you shower. Coincidentally, about a year ago my ears became semi closed. My fault because since I retired I don't wear earrings everyday. I wound up seeing a plastic surgeon who pierced my ears again. It was only $75 and that included gold posts and check ups.
This time it was easier, but I'm guessing because my girlfriend pierced my ears when we were 18 with a sewing needle and cork. The hole was always a little
smaller than necessary, because we were kids and didn't know what we were
doing. Keep trying, try not to panic and it will become second nature rapidly. Use alcohol when the ears are sore, or if you bleed. Good luck