"A gold star doesn't seem good enough!"

What happened? 

Stupidly, having had to get out of bed about 5am to have a pee, I fell heavily on my right hip with a thump. The pain was excruciating, and I couldn't get off the floor.

With help from neighbours an ambulance was called, and a few hours later I was in Barnstaple hospital Trauma Unit.

I cannot find enough superlatives to cover the brilliant care I received (first class or gold star doesn't seem good enough) particularly the planning of the operation which needed to take into account other medical conditions of this geriatric.

It was amazing that I went in on the Thursday and was out again the Monday.

How did you feel?

At the time, absolutely useless - horizontal and helpless comes to mind - and in great pain. Now, part of me feels pleased that so much has been done in such a short time, but now I'm back home (and I live alone - but in an apartment block with some amazingly helpful neighbours) I'm feeling a little vulnerable.

But I suppose that's what trauma is all about - recognising that the body and mind have been subjected to a bigger shock than just a fractured hip.