"Basic information would have been appreciated"

I broke my humerus bone, and had to go to A&E in an ambulance. It was a midshaft, displaced fracture. From the moment the crew arrived, I couldn’t fault them. They were fantastic, helped me up, into the ambulance, checked me over, then explained exactly what would happen next, before driving me to hospital and keeping me amused/distracted on my journey. They explained that I’d have a bit of a wait to be admitted due to it being a busy evening, but stayed with me and helped me across into the hospital bed once it became available. All three of the ambulance crew were fantastic. 

At A&E, once a bed was sourced, I had to sit in the hall of the ward for some time due to a lack of space. This didn’t bother me at all as it was clear the staff were very busy and doing their best. I was checked on often enough so I never felt like I’d been forgotten. Once I was checked over and diagnosed, my fracture was manipulated back into the correct position and I was put in a splint and collar and cuff type sling, before being discharged. I was given some pain relief medication to take away, and told I’d receive an appointment through for a follow up in about a weeks time. The staff were very pleasant and helpful, but I was sent away with no information or guidance about my injury. I had no idea how serious this type of fracture was, and I was given no guidance on what I should and shouldn’t do. I had no idea I was meant to stay upright at all times including while sleeping, and that I should not rest my elbow on any pillows or surfaces. Unfortunately, when I returned to the hospital for follow up X-rays 10 days later, my fracture had moved and was not aligned as well as it had been when I left the hospital. After researching this type of fracture on my own, I found helpful NHS handouts available in other regions online which advised to stay upright and not rest the elbow. When I returned for my next follow up a week later, the fracture had stayed in good alignment. I feel that I should have been given this very basic information at my initial attendance at the hospital and that it could have prevented some pain and discomfort in the initial weeks, and also less stress. 

I want to reiterate that all of the staff were great, but a basic bit of information being available would have been extremely appreciated, and it’s unfortunate that this was not available at our hospital considering it seems like it is available at many other NHS hospitals.