I haven’t been able to write before now. The pain after surgery was so bad that I was kept on various drugs to keep me sedated. I spent two days in the recovery room, then moved to a regular room. But my health remained fragile, On Sunday, the surgeon sent me for a CT scan, where I learned I had a blood clot in one of my lungs. My greatest fear about surgery was triggering a clot, which could go to my brain or lung or heart . There were many conversations among the various specialists about whether I should get a filter inserted in my blood vessels to prevents clots from traveling. The consensus was no, so didn’t. The consensus was wrong.
Well, I am still here but it is not easy, I can’t get out of bed without help. I can’t walk. The pain in my knee remains intense. The rehab will go slowly because of the pulmonary embolism.
I won’t travel as much as I used to. But I promise to support you in your work and use my voice as best I can. Let’s work hard to support our children and their teachers, to do what is best for them, and to believe in our cause because it is the cause of democracy, justice, and real education.
Diane
Diane Ravitch's blog 
May you be in the best of healing hands. May you heal and the pain fly away at the speed of light. We will all be imagining you a year from now, stronger than ever.
Thousands, millions of us sending out thoughts and love. No one has ever figured out how to assess that!
Rest up, Diane! Sending love from NJ!
Diane–You are in my thought and prayers. Make your primary thoughts rest, recuperation and rehab (the 3 Rs, senior style!). We will keep on keeping on all that you have started, so not to worry. Yes, WE can. And we WILL. You have inspired us to move beyond all the obstacles strewn our way.
And–you GO Jason France (a.k.a.Crazy Crawfish)!
Diane,
There’s a saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” You are one tough woman and once you manage to get some control over your considerable pain, you will see progress daily. Never let the pain get the upper hand. It’s no sign of weakness to catch it on its way up.
Thanks so much for your continued inspiration. I (we all) have learned so much from you.
Diane, I am very sorry to hear that there are some complications. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I am hopeful that with good care your recovery will progress well and be fully successful.
Hoping that you will feel uplifted by our prayers and encouraged by all our comments of love and support for you. Healing can take a while. Grant yourself all the time you need. Be kind to you.
Dear Diane, my prayers are with you for a full recovery. Please rest and let your body heal. We still need your wisdom and voice. Get well soon.
Thoughts and prayers are with you Diane. Please take care of yourself. I was reading online about how painful knee replacement surgery can be but how important early physical therapy is to regaining full range of motion. Most important thing now is to get rid of that blood clot and get back on your feet. I wish we could all take a bit of your pain for ourselves.
Dear Diane,
FORGET about the blog and just focus on YOU!!!!!
There is enough of you in all of us as we carry on. You have permanently transformed us.
When you are better, we will regale you with open arms and activism!!!!!
And you WILL be better!
Happy Beltaed Mother’s Day to the Mother of all Public Education Activism and Advocacy. . . . . You have given birh to a movement and a nation of justice warriors . . . . .
I am praying for you. Rest and get well.
Hi Diane, I don’t know if you will get this or not hit I want to say….thank you and best wishes on your knee etc. You have been such a bright star all Winter and through this year of very unsettling times here in education and me — referring to Wisconsin. I have gotten through this year because of reading your blog, using my essential oils and Tapping ( EFT). Thank you so much for all your writings. Please be getting well soon…we need you. I could cry. So I am sharing my find also that is getting me through the days as a teacher. Please try ” Tapping” or EFT ( emotional freedom technique) if you have not yet. It is so amazing really. I do it quickly in the one five minutes I have between a class. ( most classes no time between) Just Google: Tapping, Nick Ortner it should come up with some thing. He has a u tube demo. You can move that bold clot”s energy up and out of you! I know this sounds crazy but I have been teaching for 23 years and found this year grasping for anything to survive. Try it, you have nothing to lose but lots to gain. You can do it sitting in bed too. So amazing and easy to do.
Also…. Here is a link to great essential oils. I found these last October also to get me through this year. Get the DEEP BLUE – oil and cream for your knee! It is the best on the market and will help with the pain. Use only drops…it is potent and you will wonder why you have not had this before. Actually, I bought the family kit for 150.00 and that hooked me in. ( it is the best deal) Do take care and get better. Praying for you here in Wisconsin! Kathy🌷 http://www.mydoterra.com/568826/ DoTerra Essential Oils Be Well 920-699-2680
Sent from my iPad
>
Knee surgery is a bear. Best wishes on your recovery – from one of the many tens of thousands of teachers / parents who are so grateful for your work, and inspired by your clear, rational, HUMANE voice!
I agree 500% with Madeleine.
You’re in my prayers. Please take care of yourself.
Prayers for your full recovery!
Please be patient with yourself and your recovery. We’ll be here when you are feeling better. In the mean time, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your blog. The digest is the first news I read each day. Even from your hospital bed, you maintain a community of resistance. For that I will be eternally grateful! In solidarity always, Jean McTavish Parent, Principal, and Activist.
It is always darkest before the dawn! Keep the faith. You will recover and be almost as good as before the fall. Regards to Mary.
David Shulman
You have so many people thinking of you and praying for your quick recovery, and that is because you affect people on a daily basis. You are the essence of a life well lived and you will continue to do so. Positive thoughts and thank you for being you.
Wishes for a speedy recovery. Please, no more flying. You have to take care of yourself first.
We are thinking about you as you recover from the surgery and its complications We need you to keep writing and revealing the underlying truths and inconsistencies.
Prayers for you for fast healing.
I’m sure I’m reflecting all of us who follow you and your blog so carefully, that we wish you a much quicker recover in the next few days than you’re having now,.
I tell everyone about your blog and to get involved, read what you’ve compiled, and don’t feel helpless. Obviously, more and more people are feeling frustrated by the sabotage of our public school systems nationwide. Your blog and your writings gives them assurances that they’re not alone and that they can do something.
I wish you the best and a much faster recovery in the coming days.
Diane just think of all the healing thoughts being sent to you, and trust your body’s ability to heal. We hope you feel better and stronger every day and send our affection and prayers.
I can only echo the sentiments and good wishes of others. You’re too precious to all of us.
Rest and take good care. Wishing you a speedy recovery along with many thanks for your voice of reason, advocating for public schools and children!
My thoughts and prayers continue for you. My gratefulness cannot be expressed for what you do for the children and teachers of our nation. You give them hope and a reason to keep trudging. God Bless.
Diane, My mom used to say, “One day at a time.” She was right. Simple, but true. You will get better. Just resign yourself to the fact that an olympic gold medal in track and field is out of the question. You will have to narrow your vision to educational issues.
Thanks, Harvey A. Your mother was a wise woman