"Unsure about symptoms and aftercare following treatment for a broken back"

2 weeks ago I fell down my stairs and fractured my T12 vertebrae in my back. 

When I arrived at A&E it was very busy and the treatment I received was excellent. Everyone took their time to explain to me what was happening and they made sure I was not in any pain. I was seen quickly and had a CT scan which confirmed the break.

I was moved to D8 ward where I had a lovely side room. Again the staff were excellent and very caring. I have no complaints at all.

Eventually I went to theatre to have an operation to mend my spine and 6 days after being wheeled into hospital unable to move I walked out of the hospital. I cannot thank everyone enough for their care and the treatment I received.

However there has been one problem. I have trouble coming round after a general anaesthetic and I cannot remember seeing the surgeon after my operation. Apparently she told me about how my op had gone and what to do over the next few weeks but I have no recollection of this.

I left the hospital with a list of exercises to do but no literature of how to care for my back and what to do or expect over the next few weeks. Can I drive? Can I go back to work? Can I lift anything? Do I need to rest? I have so many questions.

I was also told that I couldn’t leave the hospital until I had opened my bowels and 2 weeks and two days later I still haven’t and I have no feeling in my bladder or bowel. Is this normal? My GP has given me some extra medication.

After such a big operation I would have expected more guidance. I know I can look on the internet for information but it is often misguiding and I’m not sure exactly what I had done.

However as I said before I am so grateful for the treatment and care I received in hospital, it made a massive difference to my recovery.