Numb tongue and gloopy saliva

Only three days after surgery you must be absolutely battered. Get well soon seems apt 

Make sure you have lots of analgesia and take it by the clock in front of the pain. 
If you’re in opiates don’t forget the laxatives 

Hello Teee7 I had the same surgery as you on 7/12/23. 
I am also T1N0M0 and was treated for SCC on the RHS of my tongue.

I expected the tongue to be sore and swallowing, speaking to be a little difficult. I had very similar symptoms to the ones you describe too which were more of a surprise. The ear pain and throat pain have resolved along with the sore tongue. I do still have numbness and find it difficult to eat on that side as I lose food but I hope that will get better. The gloopy saliva you describe is still there. I also find it difficult to taste savoury foods though I think that’s a bit better too.

As Dani said it’s really important to stay ahead of the pain and keep taking painkillers by the clock. I had a little setback with stitches opening up and needing to be corrected so it was about 3 weeks before I could eat properly again though I think it is usually around 2 weeks.

I was very impatient to get better but it takes as long as it takes. Take things a day at a time and it will slowly improve.

Hello there, I have not had your surgery but I wish you well. Be patient - much easier said than done I know - and you will get there. It's very early days in your recovery so take the pain meds and things will settle and resolve in time. Enjoy the soups! Best wishes. x

Thank you, good to hear from someone on a very similar position,

I haven't had stitches though as they have left it open to heal, which it seems to be doing. The colour is looking less dark (nurse explained that was the cauterization), and it seems to be getting much smoother hour by hour.

Still only have ear/throat pain rather than from the tongue, but it is encouraging to hear that is the same as you.

I guess the numbness is stopping the tongue pain!

I am impatient  I think yes, but as you say it inevitably takes time.

Not having tongue pain makes sense as it was the stitches that were hurting. Now they are gone so has the sore tongue it’s just numb now.

it is all very strange as you do not know what to expect and my tongue just feels odd and as you said smooth 

I am also female 65 non smoker but I do like a glass of wine here and there ️.

I just feel very lucky it was caught early like yours and can’t speak highly enough of the treatment I have received from the NHS.

Wishing you continued recovery and stay in touch

An update from me after a further 2 weeks - so now 2.5 weeks since surgery.

Ear pain thankfully went about a week ago.

Tongue still has a patch of numbness right at the front/side, and the top of my tongue feels sore, as if it is too tight.

The excision site is healing really well, and my movement is getting better daily.

Have now moved on from blended/liquid diet to soft food - did manage scrambled egg on bread for lunch today, so actually used a knife for the first time - woohoo! Taking it slowly rather than rushing things seems to be thew best route.

My speech is coming on, although not good enough for me to think about a return to work just yet as I am a teacher and talk all day.

That’s sounds like good news. Thanks for the update. 

Brilliant news tee7, well done in perceiving your recovery you are heading in the right direction, good luck with a full recovery, wont be long until you are back with your pupils, take care.

                                                                    Chris 

That’s great news so pleased to hear you’re doing well. Thanks for letting us know.

Things continue to improve for me too but my tongue still gets tired and achy if I talk too much. SALT says this will continue to improve.

sending good wishes to everyone on this forum and thank you for your honest discussion and reflections it is so helpful