Rivergypsy, it is a big surgery. Many of us here have been through it once, sometimes twice. The tonsillectomy as well as the tongue reconstruction is something I haven't had.

The trach is a horrible nuisance but it's bearable. As the days go on they adjust it so that you can talk. There's only a certain amount of time when you're in full trach mode and writing on whatever scrap of paper or whiteboard you can find in the litter by your bed. I did 100s of rounds of the hospital ward with the trach in so you're not too trapped and breathing is no problem. Mucous is the enemy with regular suctioning an intrusive thing when you're feeling blah. By the end of my time with the trach I could suction it myself. So, it's uncomfortable but doable.

Pain? Pain relief after surgery is usually total. Any breakthrough pain is quickly dealt with. The more surgeries I've had, the more I have got used to episodes of pain and see them as more bearable than the generalised, ongoing discomfort of being in post-op. Staff have always been conscientious in getting pain under control, with the pain team called for if things get too bad. There's no need to be in pain but when you go home you'll need to take meds with you. I have found that the pain goes away in hospital only to come back when I go home and don't have access to the full arsenal of pain control. It waxes and wanes.

You probably know all this. I really just want to empathise. I wish you well.

Maureen