Oww, My Thighs and Knuckles!

Owwww, my inner thighs are on FIRE from trying to get the pole sit!! How long should I expect this to suck? I have been trying to work from the pole sit into the thing where you put your one leg out straight (while leaving the other one still crossed over and kinda lean back. My thighs have grip issues though. How long does it take to get a good mastery of squeezing that pole and getting it to hold? Should I just keep on practicing those pole sits until they feel good and strong and not painful? On a side note, my knuckles have taken a beating as well. They are swollen and sore. Guessing this is just another part of the deal? I also have to say how very proud I am to have my first pole kisses - that pole must love me cause it sure kissed me a lot 😂