Broke my collar bone...

[BlueJersey]

What is ironic is that in my 4 years of racing I never had a major accident or injury. Just past 2 weeks on my way to riding back home from work on the Brooklyn bridge, NYC, I brushed against a clueless and mindless pedestrian and lost my balance as a result. Hit hard on my right shoulder. I say I should be glad it happened on my commute and not in a race...although I don't race anymore. Went to the ER the same night. The breakage is right near the shoulder area. The doctor said 2 things. It would heal itself. Or it may require surgery. It has only been a bit over 2 weeks. I have gained maybe 60% of the movement. I still can't lift anything that would require my shoulder to move up. The shoulder does not hurt when sleeping. Will go back again in 3 weeks from now to see if the bones are joining....

[matagi]

Have you seen this thread? Some useful (and scary) stories in there.

http://www.cyclingforums.com/t133419.html

[bridsmath]

Hey BlueJersey,

I'm right there with you at the moment. I broke mine in an ATV accident. Braked hard and went right over the handle bars. From what I have read most people have had good experience with the surgery. My concern is that I am so skinny that the plate and screws method of surgery would be very clunky on me. I am currently being referred to another specialist and am going to ask him about the pin.

Good luck with everything.

[geerfree]

The surgery will heal it quicker but will obviously leave marks and cuts that you won't ever get rid of. Depends on the pain and situation your in I guess.

[alienator]

Uhm, I'd listen to a doctor carefully before getting all fired up to have a surgery. As with all surgeries, it may not be necessary, and frankly, given the risks and possible negative outcomes unnecessary surgery is a dodgy path to follow.

It sounds as if you're getting on well. You're doing much better than I did at 2 weeks, and my clavicle was in 4 pieces and poorly approximated. I imagine your doctor suggest letting it heal on its own. If that's the case, it sounds like a good idea.