I have had so many direct questions about the status of my health that I thought I would share what I know. So many of you sent good wishes and even suggestions for natural cures; I thank you for your kindness and concern.
As you probably don’t remember (but I can never forget), I tripped down some outdoor steps on April 5, landed on my left knee, and pretty much demolished some necessary ligaments and tendons. I had surgery on May 9 for a total knee replacement at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery. Many people wrote to tell me that this operation is routine and that their sister, brother, mother, or father had it and felt great after about two months.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work so well for me. I was making steady progress but then, after two months, developed a huge hematoma on the operated leg. The blood from the bruise seeped into my knee, making it impossible to bend.
On July 31, I had what is called “manipulation under anesthesia,” in which my surgeon “cracked” my knee, forcing the bottom and top together, which was supposed to break up the adhesions (scar tissue) that prevented me from flexing my knee. That didn’t work either. Within a day or two, the adhesions had grown back, and my knee remained inflexible.
So now I am engaged in aggressive physical therapy, with a wonderful practitioner who is trying to break the adhesions by vigorous massage of the knee and exercise and lots of icing. It is helping but I don’t know whether it will be enough to bring back my mobility. If it doesn’t work, I will require yet another surgery to scrape out the adhesions. I seem to among the few who sprout scar tissue internally with amazing speed. I am totally focused on getting better, and at the same time exploring options about where to have this surgery done, with the best after-care, if it turns out to be necessary.
Thank you for reading, thank you for your expressions of concern. The blog has kept me going at a time when I am eager to think about something other than my poor knee.
You kept us going, too, Diane. Thank you for update re: your knee. Blessings…always!
Thank you, Yvonne.
I’m so sorry this has worked out this way for you, Diane. I wish I had something more to offer than best wishes and good thoughts. Take care of yourself and know that you are loved.
It’s faire to say that I read half of your posts and am a grateful reader/music teacher. I wish you a quick and thorough recovery. Ken
Kenneth Hughes Music Teacher, P.S. 69Q 516 476-8717 kennethhughes@me.com
And what I say is “Huzza to you Diane!” I so admire your courage and persistence. Sort of makes a mockery of the overly facile comment that “getting older is not for sissies.”
Thank you, Jonathan. More time for blogging, while icing.
Sounds like you are doing all you can to heal. I’m glad this blog helps take your mind off the process for awhile. Your mind is functioning just fine even if the dang knee is taking so long to cooperate.
Thank you for sharing your most personal circumstances. If wishes were good health, you’d be back to 100% by now. God speed. I hope this new therapy works for your knee.
I wish you all the best during the upcoming procedure and the continued physical therapy
So sorry to hear that you’re not on the mends. Hope the physical therapy gets you on the mend.
Please take care of yourself; we all love you and want what’s best for you.
You are in my thoughts every day, Diane, as I open your emails and realize how hard you are working for public education and the children despite the pain and immobility. So inspiring!
Hate that you’re still dealing with this… but grateful you are HERE and grateful you are blogging, blogging, blogging!!!! You have given a voice back to many, many, many educators who had been silenced. Thank you, and prayers for continual healing.
I’m getting older. My hands are not in great shape (a problem for one who loves to play piano), but my knees are still pretty good.
On the other hand, my brain seems to be locking up as of late. I’d trade your knee for my brain any day! Keep up the GREAT work!
Wishing you the best. My husband recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Diane, If you are as determined and focused in your physical struggles as you are in the political ones, maybe all will be Ok. At least in the knee battle the only enemy is your own body and not folks with selfish intentions. You have a physical therapy ally and thousands of political ones. Speedy progress in both battles!
Arthur Arthur
Thank you one and all for good wishes, prayers, thoughts. I accept them all. Yesterday I had lunch with three Catholic nuns, sisters of St. Joseph, wonderful teachers and friends, and they all promised to pray for me, though I am not Catholic. I have some powerful allies on my side.
Hopefully this article keeps your mind off your poor knee for a bit. http://www.nbc-2.com/story/26386832/lee-school-board-votes-to-opt-out-of-state-mandated-testing#.U_5-4WK9KK0
Stork teach, the uprising in Lee County made my day!
Sorry to hear of your continuing issues with your knee. Hope these latest treatments work to get you back on your feet again soon and thanks, always, for fighting the good fight on behalf of public education.
Ooops! See!? I meant I’d trade my knee for YOUR brain. You don’t want that trade.
We love you, Diane. be well.
Praying for your speedy pain free total recovery! Peace k
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
– First Amendment to the United States Constitution
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Wishing you all the best!
I’m so sorry to hear you are going through all this. Hang in there. Sending you good wishes for a speedy recovery.
Diane, I am sending out a wish from Camden, NJ that you will have a speedy recovery. As much as you say the blog helps you from thinking about your knee, you inspire all of us out here in the Education Jungle.
You are such a hero to me for your intelligent and passionate championing of public education. I wish you the best recovery.
Prayers always coming your way. Since you brought up therapy, reading your blog has been remarkable therapy for me. Thanks for all you do.
Diane you are always in my prayers and thoughts!! Take care and many blessings for a speedy recovery. Keep your hopes up and keep moving forward.
Well, there’s Boston.
I finally had good luck at New England Baptist. They are serious about being prepared to take up previous complications, and were prepared for the mess they found when they opened up my twice-failed left knee replacement. It is strong and straight now, somewhat miraculously.
“Today, the Joint Replacement Program at NEBH is one of the most comprehensive programs in the country equipped to perform replacements on all patients including those with more unique issues such as deformities, failed implants and revisions, and tertiary problems.”
http://www.nebh.org/departments-services/joint-replacement-program/
And of course top-tier Spaulding Rehab Hospital is right there, too, so you could start your recovery in the safety of a full service hospital. My insurance wouldn’t pay for that, so I don’t know about it personally.
Thanks, Chemteacher!
Well wishes! I love your blog.
Diane, you are and always will be my hero. You inspired me to become politically active in the fight for public ed. When NCLB was enacted we could not figure out why the federal government would pass a mandate that was impossible to reach and was setting public ed up to fail. I kept searching the web for answers and came upon your blog. I have been a faithful follower ever since t and have sent hundreds to your site. I am saddened by your tragic fall and the complications you have endured. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. By the way, my husband asks at least twice a week,”How is Diane doing?” You have become a part of our lives! Please take care.
All the best to you, Diane! Here’s hoping that you get through the rest of this with minimal trouble!
“Money cannot buy health, but I’d settle for a diamond-studded wheelchair.” [Dorothy Parker]
But, uh, diamond-studded wheelchairs are expensive. And your blog buddies are not in the, er, upper reaches of the SES food chain.
So just get well, PDQ, and remember as you blog that you are keeping in contact with many many people that count themselves better for knowing you:
“A decent boldness ever meets with friends.” [Homer]
😎
New England Baptist in Boston is one of the best hospitals in the country for orthopedic surgery, if you need it. I got a new hip and a new knee there last year and my surgeon, Dr. Carl Talmo, did a superb job on both. For what it’s worth. Good luck!
Diane…..Despite your immobility you continue to inform and challenge all that believe in public education to continue the fight for what is right for America. There are changes being made as the public wakes up to corporate greed and what is being done in the name of profit. Please take care of yourself and let others take up your banner if necessary. I am wishing you a solution for your stubborn knee and close friends to keep you sane. You are the best!
Thanks Joan for stating this well on behalf of many of Diane’s readers.
Wish better days for you and your knee going forward. Let us know more as you know more.
Thinking of you and sending good thoughts and prayers toward your healing.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Aggressive therapy is tough but here’s wishing you and your therapist total success.
I am so sorry HSS isn’t working out and absolutely agree you should explore other options. I wish you luck and just hope you are not in any excruciating pain. Have no idea if Joint Diseases would be an option, but if you have to leave NY, do it!!!
You are amazing !! Sending healing thoughts you way .
Diane-
We are thinking of you and wishing you a full and prompt recovery.
Thank goodness that you told your publishers years ago that there was no way that you were going to go on book signing tours to flog your books.
That would have been an insurmountable problem, what with the TSA and other travel impediments that we have to endure to obtain mobility.
dormand
Dear Diane,
Amazing that you are facing your knee’s scar tissue challenge with your own scalpel of excising the scar tissue of fake school reform from our schools and classrooms across the country. Ohio is with you all the way ! Lots going on here, thanks to the momentum you have kept going… Rallies, pressure on State Dept, State Auditor, legislators, Kasich… All feeling heat of Gulen scandal, lots of folks coming out of the woodwork and speaking up . The tide is turning, and we all send our love and cheers for your recovery… Keep your strength and spirits up my friend,
Maureen Reedy and Ohio Friends of Public Education
So sorry to hear about your continued problem with your leg. I pray that God grant you relief from your pain. You are a strong woman and great leader. May you soon heal to the point where you can continue your great work.
Well here’s hoping you knee will return to form and you continue directing your blog and organization. Get well and prayers for your good health.
I hope you regain your mobility as soon as possible. I am glad the blog keeps you going as it keeps so many of us followers and BATs going as well. Take care and get well soon.
I am so sorry to learn that you’ve had all these complications related to the knee surgery. It sounds like your rehab is in progress and I do hope this does the trick.
Marian Cruz Hollister, CA
Sent from my iPad
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“The object of convalescence ought to be to turn our attention to life: at other times, simply to our tasks!”
– Friedrich Nietzche
Here is a “gift” to deliver to get your mind off upcoming surgery at least for a moment but … wish “the gift” could heal!! Anyhow, Robert Reich is now paying attention to education issues. And it appears he is starting to get it. However, he needs to have a serious and lengthy chat with you so you can dispel any “corporate PR myths” that might hold sway to non public school educators!
http://robertreich.org/post/95749319170
Diane, Thanks for sharing your private health concerns so openly. Your courage in this as in all things is inspiring. I’ll be praying for a full recovery.
You have given so much to me and I wish I could say more in return than I hope that you stay in good care with your PT and succeed in finding the best option for your knee with remarkable and speedy recovery.
This veteran educator of 39 years and still in the trenches thanks you each and every day for restoring her belief, hope, indignation, passion, humanity, and determination.
God bless.
Diane,
Always love and light to you. . . . My wife and I send positive healing energy your way.
-Robert Rendo
God bless you, Diane, get well soon!
Here’s the image I have of you – it’s in black and white; you are portrayed by a young Katherine Hepburn. You hear the sound of a ticker tape, and turn from your desk, in your swivel chair, to read the latest education bulletin from your far-flung sources. News absorbed, you purse your lips a moment in composition. Your fingers fly over the keyboard. You press send. We receive and react. Every so often, you call for strong drink – whiskey neat perhaps.
It’s called “Woman of the Year”.
I am sorry for your injuries, Diane. I am a relatively new fan of yours: I just bought your book and I follow your blog. You are very important to my work because I’m a State Rep and Chair of the House Education Committee in New Mexico. Boy, are we in trouble here!
But I wanted to tell you that I have degenerative osteoarthritis, like 15 million other Americans, and four years ago I had total hip replacements on both hips, 10 months apart. I will tell you why I am completely healed, with absolutely no side effects: I went to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
World reknown, they are like a single- payer system: all doctors are paid a salary, all docs are on an online medical records system, they work daily with each other, sharing patients each day and most have interns they teach. It was the best experience with the medical field I have ever had.
The Mayo Clinic accepts everyone as a patient. Your insurance will probably pay for it because they are actually cheaper than regular hospitals/docs.
Good luck, we’re rooting for you and thanks for letting your fan club know what’s going on.
Mimi
Mimi,
Thank you for your good advice. Good luck in New Mexico. Whatever you do, get a qualified educator as state commissioner and don’t copy Florida.
OMG, Diane. I’m so sorry to learn that your health problems have continued. You deserve so much better than this. I hope you are not still dealing with the depression as well. Many ongoing wishes and prayers for your speedy recovery. Bless you.
Hugs!
Bless your heart. My daughter just received her education degree, so I appreciate knowing all that’s happening. I retired from teaching twelve years ago, and things sure have changed. Thanks for all you do, and I am praying for the pt to help you ASAP. Hugs!!!
Hang in there!! I hope the therapy does the trick and you are back in action again soon! I love your perspective and wisdom!
I always suggest having “The Princess Bride” on hand when you are sick, and since we (your loyal compatriots) have been incessantly sharing the “inconceivable” meme, it seems appropriate that I should recommend it for you. Watch. Laugh. Feel better. You’ll beat this!
Good idea. I suggest a regimen of Marx Brothers, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton. And Superbad.
Thinking of you and wishing for your speedy recovery.
I am so sorry you had to go through all of this. I am hoping and praying your knee will improve with therapy. I can empathize with you as far as illness goes. It is no fun. We are all so lucky to have you in our lives. You came into my life when I needed someone to help me know that I wasn’t alone in what had happened to me at my school. Thank you so very, very much.
Diane,
Thanks for allowing me to post all my snarky comments. I found out this afternoon that I am being sent back as EWPS to same school I just got thrown out of. At least I know the majority of the players. I appreciate all you do for us. I am in awe of how you can keep up with the goings on in so many places while I can’t even keep up with reading all your posts. I thought your knee had been healing well utilizing the No News Is Good News Theory. I have no medical advice to offer, but I wish you a speedy recovery. I hope you will be all better soon.
For those of us who come to school each day with medical issues, your strength is an inspiration. You keep us focused and positive.
As I have been completing medical procedures, I ask the medical professionals about their educational experiences. Everyone has a favorite teacher or story–not one has bragged about a test score! Often they are parents of school-aged children and thank me for doing such a tough job. They don’t know how much more difficult each year is.
This year in addition to preparing for PAARC testing, FfTs, and SLOs, teachers at our school have been scheduled for 88 meetings!
We wish you successful PT.
Thank you for being in our lives.
I am hoping the physical therapy will help. It sometimes seems to work miracles. Best wishes to you.
Our thoughts are with you.
My special person…..we have so much to talk about…I am finishing a complete study on all k-12 students in Harris County…approx…850 thousand….we already know that no more than forty percent are literate…..Things are beginning to explode over the STARR tests…..Pearson is in for some very stormy days and the Commissioner days are numbered…Please let me know when we can talk….Billy
Billy R. Reagan
Unlimited Access Educational Systems, Inc.
713.795.9696
713.795.9697 FAX
Thank you, Billy Reagan,
Texas could start by having an educator as state commissioner
If STARR + Pearson exploded and if an educator became TX Commissioner, then Diane’s knee would feel very good indeed.
Meanwhile, we all will whisper to Diane’s knee and tell it that we need it to produce less adhesion and more flexible mobility. Sounds like the knee is trying to do the right thing but in over-drive. Thank you and healing love to the patient and her wonderful physical therapist.
Diane, we can focus on our teaching, because you do so much of the other work for us. Your updates and comments give us the perspective we need to stay aware and active in the big work. Being back at school I am among the many, many who check your blog daily as a check on the world in which we are trying simultaneously to do all we can for the actual children in our classrooms. There is no way adequately to describe how hugely important this is to us. So while you heal, and you use your blogging as part of that process, please know that to us you provide a lifeline which feeds our souls. With gratitude, love, and shared determination. La lutte continue (from the ’60s, our international recognition that “the struggle continues:).
Two thumbs up! Yeah, Diane!!! We so appreciate your incredible diligence and scholarship! Keep on keeping on, sister.
“. . . lots of icing.”
I hope you get your favorite flavor! A deep dark chocolate one would be best for the soul!!!!
Thank you for the update, Diane. I am praying for a break through with your therapy and the return of mobility. Thank you for continuing your vigil of education across our country and beyond. We rely on you and need your voice to keep us focused and inspired. many blessings
Keep that chin up, Diane. Your resolve never to quit is the strength that makes the movement in education. That resolve is great for all kinds of movement(s)! We’re thinking of you!
Diane –
With your tenacity, you will get better – just keep working hard (like you always do!), and know we’re all behind you, praying & sending good thoughts your way! You do need to have some fun moments too so make sure you leave time every day for that – whether it’s a movie or dinner or a good book!
God bless you, Diane. You are in my prayers. Thank you for all you do, even while in pain. You are a true inspiration and encouragement to many!
Diane, thank you for the update and your excellent blog. Sorry to hear about the adhesions. I wish the current round of PT is effective for you and you can avoid any more surgery.
Please take care, Diane!
My first thought is OW! You have been through a lot, Diane. I hope that your doctor has you on a really good vitamin regime. Vitamins are essential, especially as we age. Make sure you are taking plenty of Magnesium as well as NAC N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine. NAC is an essential antioxidant and good for cellular health and the Magnesium will relax your muscles. I am glad you are working with a good therapist. My thoughts go with you as you recover your physical ability. You are a strong woman and you will make it!
All good wishes for a full recovery.
Take care of yourself Diane!!!! Rest and enjoy the other parts of your life:) and eat something tasty every day and listen to a nice bit of music each day too:)
Thanks for the update. Wishing you a speedy recovery. There are some new techniques available using ultrasound that are non-invasive but I am sure your therapists are more expert on health interventions than I am. Just hoping you will not need more surgery!
Wishing you a speedy and pain-free recovery when you do have the surgery. Those darn complications sure do mess things up. Hoping everything works out for the best.
Oh my goodness. This is not the news any of us wanted to hear and of course, least of all, you. May the new treatments or surgery plan work and work soon. I am so sorry and hopeful. I can’t imagine how awful this is for you. Just yesterday my husband and I were looking into the changes in the AP US History framework and testing. We both think this bears scrutiny. I am not thoroughly versed in what is going on yet. Hopefully you will continue to have up-to-date information and your reader-community will add their thoughts on the topic. Please know that you are thought of often as I keep hoping/thinking (and now know you are having such a tough time of it) you are healing. And am positive that you have the best doctors available. So am at least grateful for that. There are legions of supporters, educators and in-the-trenches teachers who need and admire you. We need you back in “fighting trim” and we will all celebrate with you when that finally happens. Take good care. A knee can be replaced they say, but you will never be.
This is a blog posting today by a teacher I know via social media. I think it may speak to you and is short.
http://reflectionsontheteche.wordpress.com/2014/08/28/spiritual-journey-patience/
wishing you a speedy recovery, and thanking you for championing the cause of public education
Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. PT can perform miracles…I’m living proof after shoulder surgery. Hang in there and Keep on Pushing!
Thanks so much for the update. We ALL wish the best for you.
Wish the best for you. The experts in knee problems are MDs in sports medicine and MDs who treat dancers.
Thanks for the update. You are not the only person who is engaged in this blog to keep reasonable sane and professionally engaged. Thanks for all that you do.
You have been a lifeline to all of us. Now, if needed we can be a lifeline for you. Be sure to let us help in any way possible!
Thank you for your candor on all issues, both personal and professional.
Your updates are appreciated. ‘Wishing you complete healing.
Diane, Please take care of yourself. Know that my good thoughts are being sent your way.
You are still in my prayers! I’m very sorry you are having a rough recovery.
I will include you on my prayer list as you are one of my favorite people. My name is Florence Johnson,past president of the New York State School Boards Association, and a 22 year member of the Buffalo School Board just retired. Please contact me, you , your friend and i had dinner together at the Westchester-Putnam School Board Association Annual dinner 3 years ago. We in Buffalo need to talk to you. Pallidino,who ran for governor of NYS, has control of the school board and his group of 5 with the approval of the Commissioner and Regent Robert Bennett are not including the 4 African American women on the Board and attempting to charterize and privatize the district . We need your investigation of this situation and to give it some focus. I just retired from the Board due to health concerns of myself and my husband. My cell# is 716-704-2878. Thank you and God bless.
Dear Florence Johnson,
Thank you for your prayers and kind words. I am not in a position to investigate what is happening in Buffalo. Has it been covered by any of the local media? Could you get one of the local academics to investigate and write it up for me?
Here! Here! on all above comments. Know that you have thousands (10s of thousands) of dedicated educators grateful for all you do, and sending prayers and healing thoughts and wishes your way.
And since you mentioned the issue of WHERE to have the surgery, remember “medical tourism;” you may be able to get top-notch treatment for <1/2 the cost, and enjoy a restful few weeks in Indonesia or elsewhere… I'm going to venture that a restful tropical vacation, and top-quality medical care, would each do you well. (I know nothing specific about orthopedic surgery in any particular country, but indeed many countries have outstanding medical systems/services that rival or surpass the US, at far lower costs to patients. Just my 2¢.
Be well, heal well, and keep on keeping on! –Ted
Physical therapists can often work miracles. You are certainly due a miracle or two for that poor knee. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
We love you, Diane. And we have no doubt that you WILL be fully healed soon enough. May the energy of all of us who follow your example and take so much inspiration from your knowledge and your courage help in your recovery.
Thank you for all you do and all you are. And thanks for keeping us updated as to your condition.
I don’t know how Dr. Ravitch continues to do all of the work required for her activism, while in the process of healing but, I am profoundly grateful.
Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. You continue to be an inspiration and voice….not in the wilderness, but in the cities where we need to be informed on a daily basis..for this I thank you,
Karen CARINHA
Dear Diane, get better fast. You are so needed and so terrific! jf
I hope your recovery proceeds more smoothly at this point.
Dear Diane, I am so unhappy with your status report. I wrote to you way-back-when & told you that I had both of my knees replaced at the same time & that I had a remarkable recovery. I can walk with out pain for the first time in years. Please let me know if you would like to chat with my surgeon, who is in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Perhaps he could give you some ideas by looking at our x-rays & reports… Please be well … Jill
Thanks, Jill. More than 90% of total knee replacements are completely successful. Mine was not. Not because of my surgeon but because of a build-up of scar tissue inside my knee. It is called arthrofibrosis, and there are a very small number of specialists. I am trying to identify them and get another opinion. One is the Noyes Clinic in Cincinnatti and the other is the Steadman Clinic in Vail. There may be more. If anyone has information about these places, let me know.
Diane, I would hope your surgeon and other involved professionals should be able to refer you to the medical professionals who know the most about arthrofibrosis. If it is an excess of scar tissue that you are dealing with, there are professionals that deal with it, just in different body sites, all over the place. Obviously, you want someone who has specialized in knees, but you might find some help from sources other than strictly knee people.
Sorry to hear about your knee troubles. I hope the healing starts soon. Carol Rosario
Billy R. Reagan
(713) 795-9696
(832) 215-8877 cell
] Sent: Sunday, February 3, 2019 6:58 PM To: billyrreagan@uaccess.org Subject: Re: ‘A step below hell’: Video gives inside look at HISD board’s dysfunction | Education News
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Billy R. Reagan
(713) 795-9696
(832) 215-8877 cell