My quick story ...

I'm not a great athlete, but I've been doing mini (or sprint) triathlons for several years to keep in shape. I enjoy every aspect of it! The training makes me feel fit and healthy, and the events themselves are great fun! So... one afternoon I was nearing the end of my 12 mile bike loop. I was riding on a straight road and going about 17 mph into a pretty stiff wind. I was focused on my pedaling and trying to put a bit more energy into making a good time. All of the sudden, I saw a white van in front of me! And that's where my memory ends. The van had come from the opposite direction and turned left directly in front of me. I rode my bike straight into it with my face leading the way. I smashed into it and broke my jaw and nearly tore my ear off. There were many other sore and badly bruised places - but the jaw and ear were the worst. After five days in the hospital and two surgeries, I came home with my mouth wired shut.

I was surprised by the lack of information and help on the web for dealing with this. I learned a few tricks that I wanted to share with others. So, here they are. I hope they help you. And if you have some advice that you'd like to share, I would be happy to add it to this page.

If you are reading this becuase your mouth is wired shut, you have my sincerest sympathies. It is not a very comfortable predicament to be in. But you are in it and there's little you can do about it. You will get through it, so you might as well make the best of it! You will probably lose a few pounds in the process, and you'll gain a greater appreciation for friends, family, and food!