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TWO DAYS LATER

tuleaonplane

Tulea with Carole on plane en route to
Los Angeles awaiting our reunion.

My knee was replaced Tuesday morning and it’s now Thursday morning and it’s been pretty smooth going. I started physical therapy yesterday and there was a lot of pain after that but they shot some morphine into the IV and that took care of it. The worst part of it all is how the pain meds make me itch. They give me something for this but it doesn’t seem to work. Guess I’m unusually sensitive to narcotics. I’d make a lousy druggy.

The nurse took the wrappings off just now and I saw the knee with the long line of staples. Oh well. It’ll be fine. The staples will come out and the scar will fade some and the swelling will subside and I’ll be stronger than ever. As you can imagine, I will be a regular soldier about doing the rehab. Everyone says that you must follow the procedures faithfully so the knee doesn’t get stiff. I have too much I have to still do to allow myself to get stiff. Fortunately I went into this quite strong and flexible and that makes it easier.

Another fortunate thing is that I had a spinal rather than general anesthetic. What a difference that makes. I was clear-headed almost from the get-go except for the pain meds. I was given a cocktail of pain pills and relaxants before they did the spinal injection and I don’t even remember them doing it. It didn’t hurt that the anesthesiologist was a pretty woman with a great wit. Always try to go out laughing.

Here’s the best part of it though: All my friends sending me good wishes and prayers. My new blogger and twitter friends as well. Feeling surrounded by love is such a blessing it makes me cry with happiness. I feel so lucky to have such loving, generous friends. As I’ve said before, when you get older you realize more than ever the value of friendship and you learn to be intentional about acknowledging and protecting it.

Another good thing is that, for the first time in quite a while, I am motivated to start writing my book again. This is the book about aging that Random House asked me to do. I’m calling it “The Third Act: Entering Prime Time,” Performing the play eight times a week absorbed all my creative juices and then, when that ended 3 weeks ago, there’s been so much pain (and so little time). I like the feeling of being drawn back into it. I have nine chapters already done and about 9 more to go, although who knows, the book, much more than my memoirs, seems to have a life of its own and chapters appear that I didn’t initially think of. I honestly don’t know if that’s good or bad but it’s interesting to me. I’d gotten blocked with the chapter about sex but help is on the way. Or maybe that’s just the meds kicking in.

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My last night in hospital, reunited with Tulea.

See you next time.

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118 Comments

  1. Jane I so love your humour – and I am pleased for you that the surgery is a fete accompli as it were…

    Love and light for a faster pain free healing.

    Looking forward to your new book – will you consider an audio book? – i have audible.com and i so enjoy so many books that way – especially Carrie Fisher. “Talking Books” so to speak one can be free to dust or cook or? It is like having the person in the room. I know you have yet to finish yours – it will be great whichever way you do it.

    Be safe and well – take good care – be gentle with yourself. 😉 Thanks again for sharing…

  2. I want to extend my warm wishes for a quick 7 safe recovery. I want to tell you that I did your tapes faithfully when I was younger & that you are the first lady of exercise.

    You were always so positive & beautiful & I believe I still have those tapes somewhere.

    again, get better quickly.

  3. I want to extend my warm wishes for a quick & safe recovery. I want to tell you that I did your tapes faithfully when I was younger & that you are the first lady of exercise.

    You were always so positive & beautiful & I believe I still have those tapes somewhere.

    again, get better quickly.

  4. Love the photos — especially the one of you on your ranch — can you tell us where it is (not exactly of course, but what state and area/region of the state). Just wondering because it is so beautiful there in the photo.

    thanks

  5. I will again send to you my thought and prayers for a speedy recovery, I am like you my body does not like the prescription pain killers. We need you better so please rest and write.
    Peace,
    Daniel.

  6. Perfect timing Jane, I was just wondering how the surgery went and how you were doing. Glad you’re going to start writing again, dig into a plate of Oysters Rockefeller and imagine a certain Mr. Redford coming by for a visit, that should help jump start the S.E.X. chapter;)

  7. Hang in there, Ms. Fonda! As fit and strong as you are you’ll bounce back quickly.
    I used to work out at Core Body in Decatur and saw and spoke to you there a few times…as a former actor/singer, I’ve really enjoyed your blog-especially when you were doing 33 Variations.
    Tommy Varnadore in Atlanta

  8. So glad you’re doing well! After my late father had his knee replacement he loved telling people he was no longer bio-degradable. 😉

  9. Jane, regarding the itchiness. When in the hospital for surgery, I was given morphine in my IV. The itching was so bad I drew blood during the night and tore those things off that you wear on your legs to prevent clots. They told me it was the morphine. I had had it once before and if you are going to react to it, it’s the second time. They took me off the morphine and gave me another pain drug orally. I really hope they can resolve that.

    You will be so over this surgery so quickly. Like everything else you do, you will tackle it the rehab and before everyone knows it you’ll be climbing that mountain with no problems.

    Thank you for your blogs. Love them.

    Ellen

  10. Glad to hear it was a success and that you are ‘on the mend’ as we would say in Scotland. I do hope the creative juices start flowing for the book. I’m literally putting the finishing touches to my doctoral thesis as I write this and knowing that it has been read and appreciated has made the past 5 years writing it seem so worthwhile. I am also amazed at the seemingly random mental lanes I end up going down in writing (albeit socio-psychological theory), but appreciate everyday the education and experiences that make the process possible. Stay strong and keep fighting the good fight! Dougie x

  11. I had an epidural for knee surgery, too. They had to add some anesthetic towards the end of the surgery so that I was totally numb from the waist down for a couple of hours longer than expected.

    The fact that my brain could send messages to my legs with no response was eery and frightening, even though I knew my paralysis was only temporary. What a lesson for me in empathy for those whose paralysis isn’t temporary!

    Glad you’re on the mend and that you’re going to write that book!

  12. Snuggle with Tulea……the best medicine of all!

  13. You’re going to be fine because of your athleticism. My left knee has been stapled together since I was 16. I ski Jackson Hole back country, climbed the Grand Teton, and took a solo shot at climbing Denali. I’ve mellowed out since I turned 50 a few years ago, but climbing the Mddle Teton is still a walk in the park up a hill. Live well my virtual friend

  14. Jane, I have been reading your blog since you started your BW play and I have founds it such a wonderful account of your experience but this is the first time I’ve posted. Just wanted to wish you a full and speedy recovery. You are an inspiration! Keep writing and we’ll keep reading. Best wishes from a 62 yr. old broad.

  15. Love you, Jane. Can’t wait for the book.

  16. I’m praying for you, Jane, and am so glad this surgery is behind you. I’ll be thinking of you and praying for you as you go thru PT. My daughter and I are so sorry that “33 Variations” closed before we could get up to NY to see you…… maybe another show…..another time.
    <3
    Sylvia

  17. Glad to hear you’re doing well. All the best!

  18. Sounds like all is going well. Many people have an allergic reaction to morphine, your physicians can provide other narcotics- you won’t be on them long, anyway. As soon as you can tolerate Physical therapy and eating well and all systems are go, you can start oral medications that work more effectively for this pain. Remember to take your pain medication, you need it and you will recover faster if you are well medicated. You will not become an addict. It is important for your well being.
    You will be up and around and feeling stronger every day. Have a good day!

  19. (((WOW))) Thank You! Another great read from our Dear Miss Fonda to her ‘friends’! So sweet of you to acknowledge everyone and, yes, realize the value in all your (our) different friendships. You are a very dear lady.

    Congrats on your new knee!!! Yay! 🙂
    Wanted to throw this out there, you may have heard it all before, but the itchy means you are alergic to that particular med. If it bothers you, someone really should have told you by now that you don’t have to put up with the itchies, they can try another concoction that you may not be alergic to and, voila, no more itchies.

    One time I took my daughter to emergency and they put Progesterone (or a synthetic) in her I.V. to bring down the rash and she felt the itchies all over when it hit her blood stream and the nurse said that means she is allergic to that and it was good to discover that.. . . .so now it’s in her chart to never give her progesterone. They tried a different steroid that did not make her itchy & uncomfortable, and, voila ♥

    Hope that helps and I hope you are back to feeling 110% ASAP! (& off the drugs, HaHa!)
    Take Care,
    ~ Karen Falcon & daughter Scarlet Falcon

  20. Dear Jane!
    me best wishes for your complete recover! And about the pain, it will pass, and I´m sure you´re strong!
    About the book, not only me, but all your fans are anxious to read it, so write write write!
    Again, my best wishes in recovering!
    your brazilian fan and friend, Sarah

  21. So…. tell us about your call from Lily Tomlin and Kathy Griffin. Did she really manage to not offend with the s**kit jokes. I thought it was a hoot they called you on MLOTDL.

  22. I wish you a speedy recovery, beautiful and strong Jane. It’s good to realise in hard times, that love really is all around. The only true measure of success.

    Take good care of yourself

    xxx Pim

  23. It’s great to hear how well you’re doing! So are you in L.A. now? Wish I could say hi to you in person.

    Anyway, don’t work toooo hard in these early days. I know you’ll follow directions to a tee.

    Best, Hinda

  24. Dear Jane – a very good friend of mine had her knee replacement surgery 10 days ago, so I am following your story with interest! I would just like to say that your positive attitude and humour shine through, and you are certainly an inspiration to anyone who is going through this or similar surgery.

    My friend and I wish you well in your recovery – although from the sound of it, you are doing just fine by yourself!

  25. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Wishing you a speedy recovery!

  26. I lost half my left knee at 18 after a motorcycle accident; after about a year, I didn’t miss it. Hoping it’ll be better for you.

  27. I watched a clip on youtube of an early appearance you gave on the game show “What’s My Line” in 1960 or so. What struck me most in watching this footage was to realize that in a mere eleven years this timid ingenue would go on to play Bree Daniel to such heartbreaking effect. You’ve packed a lot of life in your years!

    As far as the sex chapter for your book, what’s fascinating to me and perhaps many others–especially women admirers, is the arc in your personal evolution from naive gamine (presumably) to sex kitten to formidable actress (as well as a feminsit and activist) without losing your sensuality — even now (en tant qu’une femme d’une certaine age, alors).

    You’ve spoken about your faith, and how we are called to become “whole” during our life’s journey. As a woman, wholeness, to me, means being able to embrace our feminity, our sexuality without compromising any other aspect of ourselves. Sounds simple, but it isn’t in this society — especially for young girls, as you well know. Sexuality either has to be exaggerated or repressed depending on our goals and circumstances.

    Anyway, je vous souhaite un prompt rétablissement avec le genou, et je vous rémercie pour être un trés bon example pour nous femmes partout.

  28. Good luck with the Knee replacement. I worked in a U.S. Naval Hospital physical therapy clinic during the Vietnam War. I could give you all the advise that I gave the young Marines and Soldiers there, but I won’t.

    May your recovery be successful!

  29. Hi Jane – I had my knee (left) replaced four weeks ago – our experiences are amazingly similar, right down to that maddening itching for which there is no known cure! I’m back at work and doing outpatient PT and am doing really well. Best of luck to you – please get to work on those new exercises you mentioned – I will be your biggest follower! Thanks for sharing your experience – it helped me to know that someone was going through what I went through and, like me, is determined to come out stronger!

  30. I was in an auto accident 9 months ago and broke my femur..they inserted a titanum rod from hip to knee and put screws at both ends. I am still in PT but am making progress. I have the scar down the front of my knee like most of us over 55 folks. I hope you have a speedy and painless recovery! I was itchy from the morphine, too. Couldn’t take Percocet or Vicadin either..more itchy…so good luck with that. I ended up on Darvocet and it worked ok. Good luck with your PT and your book. xoxo, E.

  31. Hope you’re feeling better and your recovery is speedy. I am such a big fan of yours-we want to see you back on the big screen as soon as possible.
    I’ll keep you in my prayers.

  32. Jane,
    You are the most wonderful role model for Aging Gracefully and Boldly I have ever seen. Thanks for letting us in on your world and your secrets. Hang in there – rehab will be over before you know. And they are correct about following the regimen exactly if you want a good knee to hike around the world on again!

  33. Joy that you’re on the blog again so soon. Jane I have no doubt that the record you’ll be a good soldier and knee function in such excellent form. With all the good waves you send your followers, your recovery is safe! I’m glad you’ve picked your book because I do not get Ny Life So Far because it spent some time in my country. Many kisses from Uruguay.

  34. Keep on truckin’ . . .

  35. You’ll be good as new and getting around faster than ever. Who cares about a scar?!?!?!

  36. I’m so glad that everything went well. It is a highlight of my day to come to your blog and see what’s going on. I wish you well, Ms. Fonda.

  37. Hang in there Jane – it does get easier. Had my left knee replaced 3 years ago – went the minimally invasive route so my thigh muscle wasn’t cut – I was up and walking same day and never used crutches or walker. Best thing I ever did! No more pain and can move like the old days. You will do fine – you are a real trooper! God bless.

  38. Thanks for sharing. My mom had knee replacemenet and she was fiece about rehab, she said timing her pain meds with PT was the key to getting through it in the first few weeks. Good luck.

  39. So glad to have found your blog. Thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery. I have a friend (actor Fran Bennett) who had both knees replaced at the same time. She went in, like you, in great shape and remained faithful to the rehab. Today she’s is painfree and has full motion. I know you’ll have the same scenario. The pain you have now is a different pain…it will subside. As for the itching….hmm…cut your nails? Hang in There. My best.

  40. So glad to hear you’re doing well, Robo-Jane!
    ♥

  41. Yay i’m happy to hear that you came through alright. i wish you all the best!!!

  42. Hi! I injured my knee a year ago (ruptured ACL+MCL that’s nothing comparing to your knee replacement) and because of the pain my knee got stiffed (arthrofibrosis). After two surgerys the best thing was and is my physical therapist. He is very patient with me and it doesn’t hurt at all that he is soooo handsome… He is my savier and I love him for that! Because of him my knee will be almost the same as it used to be! I hope you will have as wonderful physiotherapist as I have! I like to add here too that follow the procedures faithfully, do them every day and believe that they will help. The best thing is that it is easy to see the improvement and that gives you more strenght to carry on! I wish you all the best! BR, Anne from Finland

  43. Jane, I just love reading your blog every day – you are such an inspiration. I can’t wait for the next book – so related to the last one. Also, wondering what (or who?) you mean by help is on the way regarding the chapter on sex??! Feel better – your puppy will be so happy to have you back to herself.

  44. Dear Jane,

    My wife had the same surgery about 5 years ago and everything is good. Right after the sugery I would change her bandages for her at home while she held a blanket up because she didn’t want to see “the horror” of it all. She was only 32 when she got the surgery (rhumatoid arthritis) so she was worried about how it all would look for vanity’s sake and I just wink and say “Baby, don’t you know chicks with scars are SEXY?”

    Perhaps you can show your scar off the next time you find yourself sitting on Stephen Colbert’s lap!

    Peace & Love,

    LeG
    😎

  45. Hope you are feeling better. Looking forward to reading the book!

  46. Wish you the best, dear Jane. Be strong and be good as soon as possible. All my love for you.

  47. So glad the operation went well, and that you are in such good spirits. Life works in mysterious ways, doesn’t it? All that busy time preventing you from getting to the next book, and now an enforced period of relative stillness so you can concentrate.

    Can’t wait to read the new book!

  48. Glad that you are doing well (I would honestly expect nothing else). I am looking forward to your new book as well. It definitely sounds like something I will purchase for myself, as well as friends. I agree with your comment about friendship. People give you what they can (or want to) emotionally. It’s up to the individual to decide whether that is enough for them. Over the past few years I have eliminated people from my life because it wasn’t enough. I have become more “selective”. I think that may be a natural process in getting older, I don’t know. Anyway, speedy recovery to you.

  49. Jane, All my best to you for a speedy recovery. You’re a trooper. I’d be passed out just from looking at the staples! Get well soon. Dena

  50. I am pleased it went well Jane, that is good news. My first knee was under a general anaesthetic and when I came to I thought I had been in a car accident, no memory and I was swallowed in pain. They attempted 5 times for a spinal but could not hit the spot. The second was a spinal and the drugs I was given made me so high they could have cut off both legs and I would not of cared. Thankfully they replaced only the knee and recovery was much faster and easier than the first. I am sure you will recover quickly and reap the benefits quickly. The more you work the new joint the faster it becomes normal. Best wishes!

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