Daniel McClelland never thought he would have to wait almost three years to eat solid foods again.

38-year-old is on waitlist for jaw joint replacement surgery in Ontario

CBC News · Posted: Feb 16, 2024

Daniel McClelland, 38, was referred in June 2021 to an Ontario specialist for jaw joint replacement surgery after a previously removed bone growth returned, causing his jaw to lock. He's still waiting for that surgery. (Travis Golby/CBC)

"I can do pancakes, but I kind of have to shove them in — slurp it in, if you will," said the 38-year-old Winnipegger, who is on a waitlist for a jaw joint replacement surgery that can't be done in Manitoba.

"I can't open my mouth at all or chew," he said, leaving him limited to soft foods like soups, yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes and protein shakes.

In June 2021, McClelland was referred to an Ontario oral and maxillofacial surgeon — a surgeon who specializes in oral surgery, including the mouth and jaw — after a previously removed bone growth returned, causing his jaw to lock.

"I asked when my surgery was coming and where I was on the waiting list. No one can give me an answer," he said.

Read more at CBC Manitoba