Two surgeries, no pain medications. Three years ago, I had clavicle surgery after a bike accident. Just two weeks ago, I went back in for a second surgery to remove the plate. Both times, I decided to skip painkillers—not even a single acetaminophen. I wanted my body to heal naturally, without relying on medication.
This is my story of choosing a different path. It’s about trusting my body and embracing discomfort. It’s also about going against what most people (and even most doctors) expect after bone surgery.
Clavicle Fracture From a Bike Accident
On March 23, 2022, I was out for a casual bike ride around my neighborhood with Shadow, my small dog, tucked into the front basket. It was something we did often. As we passed a large dog, Shadow got excited and tried to jump out. Even though he was strapped in, the leash had loosened over time without me realizing it.
Before I could stop, Shadow slipped and got tangled in the front wheel. My bike came to an abrupt stop, and I was thrown forward, landing hard on my left shoulder. At that moment, I didn’t feel pain—I only cared about Shadow.
Without thinking, I leaned on my left arm to get up and check on him. Looking back, that pressure likely turned what was a minor clavicle fracture into a complete break.
I carried my bike and Shadow—who was thankfully unharmed—back home, walking over a mile in pain. I didn’t know then that my collarbone was broken clean in half. When I finally got to the emergency room, the X-ray confirmed a severe break. The doctor said I would need clavicle surgery to repair the damage.
My Surgery and Why I Chose No Pain Medications
A few days after my accident, I had my first clavicle surgery to repair the break with a metal plate. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the procedure went smoothly. Waking up was another story—I was extremely groggy from the anesthesia and ended up vomiting afterward. It took me a while to feel like myself again.
Before the surgery, no one had discussed which pain medications I’d be prescribed. Afterward, I was handed prescriptions for hydrocodone, acetaminophen, an antibiotic, and a laxative. I decided not to take any of them. Instead, I focused on resting, eating clean, and letting my body recover naturally.
Despite the severity of the break, I felt surprisingly little pain. Although I received anesthesia during surgery, I didn’t take any pain medications afterward—not even over-the-counter options like Tylenol. My clavicle fracture recovery went smoothly, with no complications, and I was able to heal naturally.
That experience gave me the confidence to trust my body to heal again when it was time for the second surgery.
Planning My Plate Removal Surgery
For three years, I lived with the metal plate in my shoulder. At first, I didn’t notice it much. But over time, I started to feel discomfort, especially when I lay on my left side or carried a heavy bag. The idea of a second procedure—another plate removal surgery—was always in the back of my mind.
I waited longer than I probably needed to. Life was busy, and since I wasn’t in constant pain, it felt easier to leave it alone. But eventually, I knew it was time. I wanted my body to feel free again without anything artificial holding it together.
What gave me the confidence to go through with another surgery was how well I recovered the first time—without taking any pain medications. I trusted my body to do what it’s meant to do: heal naturally.
Second Clavicle Surgery With Zero Pain Medications
Two weeks ago, I had my second clavicle surgery—this time to remove the metal plate. I went in feeling calm and confident. After all, I had already healed once before without any medications. I planned to do it the same way again.
Before the surgery, I told the nurse clearly that I didn’t want any prescriptions for pain relief. I had no intention of taking them. Still, the pain medications were ordered anyway. My daughter, not knowing my plan, picked them up. I ended up returning everything a few days later—unopened and unused.
I didn’t take a single pill. Once again, I experienced little to no pain and no complications. My recovery felt smooth, steady, and manageable. I continued to rest, eat a healthy diet, and stay hydrated. This second experience only confirmed what I had already learned—I could heal naturally without relying on pain medications.
Choosing zero pain medications wasn’t about proving anything. It was about trusting my body and staying in control of how I healed.
How I Healed Naturally Without Pain Medications
Both times after the surgery, I chose to recover with zero pain medications—and I believe that decision made my healing smoother. It wasn’t luck. I followed a few simple but powerful habits that helped me feel better, faster.
Here’s what supported my natural recovery after clavicle surgery:
Whole food, plant-based eating
I focused on anti-inflammatory foods and avoided anything processed. My body had everything it needed to rebuild and recover.Staying well hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helped flush out toxins and kept my joints and muscles feeling their best.Rest without guilt
I didn’t rush back into activity. Giving my body permission to rest was key.Light movement when ready
I listened to my body and moved gently as soon as I felt able. Walking, stretching, and light use of my arm helped circulation and healing.Good sleep every night
I made sleep a priority. Healing happens when we rest—and I didn’t cut corners here.A calm, positive mindset
I stayed focused on what I could control: what I ate, how I rested, and what I believed about my body’s ability to heal.
Choosing a natural approach didn’t mean ignoring pain—it meant handling it differently. For me, these simple habits were more effective than any prescription.
What I Learned From Two Surgeries
Going through two clavicle surgeries and healing naturally without any pain medications taught me more than I expected. I didn’t just recover physically—I learned to trust my body, stay aware of what it needed, and question the idea that pain always requires a prescription.
Doctors often prescribe pain medications quickly, without much discussion. I saw that firsthand. While some people may truly need them, I believe the medical system relies on them too heavily. I didn’t need them at all. I felt almost no pain, experienced no complications, and stayed in tune with my body every step of the way.
Taking control of my recovery felt incredibly empowering. Saying no to medication took courage, but it felt right. If I ever need surgery again, I’ll make the same choice—with intention, confidence, and full belief in my body’s natural ability to heal.
Final Thoughts on Healing Naturally
Every surgery and recovery journey is personal. What worked for me may not be the path for everyone. But I hope my story shows that it’s possible to go through even something like clavicle surgery and recover with no pain medications—and still feel strong, healthy, and whole.
If you’re facing surgery, know that you have options. Ask questions. Speak up. Trust your instincts. And most of all, listen to your body. Sometimes the simplest habits—like sleep, clean food, movement, and rest—can support healing in ways that no pain medications can’t.
I didn’t plan to take this route, but I’m grateful I did. Twice now, I’ve seen what’s possible when we let the body do what it’s meant to do: heal naturally.
