Sara,

I’ve had 4 surgeries on my tongue - lateral side (same area). With my first surgery I had no idea what to expect and my doctor didn’t tell me too much. I was in a lot of pain for a few days and my tongue was very swollen and it was nearly impossible to talk and swallow. When I was leaving the hospital, he gave me a prescription for pain pills. I asked him to change it to a liquid. I found eating something frozen (ex. Italian ice) helped with the swelling and pain.

My speech is good, but as you’ve been told everyone is different - depends on what area of tongue/mouth and how much is removed. It was recommended to me to “exercise” my tongue as soon as practical after surgery - ask your doctor as far as timing and what to do.

Wishing you the best!