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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. “I feel so lucky to have such loving, generous friends”.

    Dear Jane,

    You are blessed with friendships and love because of who and what you are! Nothing of the above is given if it wasn’t for quality of the recipient.

    I so sorry to discover you so late. I remember your beautiful face from the TV screen, I remember my girly crush I’ve had on your father. Now grown up, honestly, I think I still do 🙂 He was so handsome!

    Discovering you now I see your outer beauty transforming and giving way to your inner one.

    Somehow your wisdom and talents, the way you write made me travel back to my childhood and find the sweet memories of it. I thank you for that!

  2. Jane your funny straight out of the operation room.
    You know that itch you get from the drugs is something that many narcotic users enjoy.
    Glad you had a pretty face to checkout before dreamland. You probubly tickled her fancy too. After all not everyone gets to partake in the creatiion of our Heroine Jane’s super bionic knee.
    Speaking of writing your book. I’m reading your last book and I am so swept away with your story. Wish I could read it none stop but one must work.
    I can relate in so many ways. You’ve opened my own eyes and I’ve been a truth seeker from a very young age. You’ve given me more things to sort through. My own truth of course. To each their own.
    I hunger for truth and my purpose. It fills me up when I experience people speaking from their deepest places.
    We all need the truth. As they say it sets us free.
    I feel I could commune with you forever.
    We are kindred spirits.
    Knee Kisses,
    Barbara

  3. Get well Jane, and best wish for a fast rehab. I like “The Third Act: Entering Prime Time” good header in more than one way.
    Nice to hear that your in the mode of work and sounds like any writers block has moved aside, maybe a side benefit that promotes your well-being in general. Wonderful how beneficial your knee performance can be.

  4. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

    Your spirit, drive and determination are truly inspiring.

    Xxx

  5. It was not my intent to ask a question here, but I cannot get the verification code to leave a question in the question section – so here it goes…

    In you book Women Coming of Age, for the protein shake it mentions using a protein powder, preferably made from milk and egg protein, with no sugar, artificial coloring or flavor added.

    I cannot seem to find a protein powder with any of those suggestions.

    What do you use?

    Thanks in advance.

  6. Good luck with your rehab!

  7. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Those staples always look much worse than they turn out to be. I had a scar after my cancer surgery that made me look like I’d been manhandled by Dr. Frankenstein and I was horrified. But a few months later, it was nothing more than a light red line and now, nothing at all. Is there any talk of doing “33 Variations” in some other format? Maybe a film for HBO, or something? I thought it was wonderful.

  8. Jane, I’m so glad things are going well. It’s just as I hoped for you. If you are still concerned about a scar, a platic surgeon could so some work on it, but I still like wearing the scar as a badge of courage.

    Will you be going to your ranch for rehab? Glad you will be reunited with Tulea. I guess that must have been a look-alike in Paris?
    B

  9. you are doing great with this–my sister-in-law had both knees replaced and had your spirit and attack dog attitude with respect to physical therapy–and she and her knees are flourishing–your spirit is inspiring–we over-60s need your example!! thanks!

  10. new knee? the marvels of modern medicine!

  11. Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Count me in as another person sending positive vibes and prayers your way.

  12. Glad to hear your procedure went smoothly. I feel like I know you now that I’ve read your blog and your book. And I was thinking of you Tuesday wondering if all was well. Weird huh? I think so too but maybe there is something to having some positive psychic energy from us….hmmm. Anyway, good luck Jane!

  13. Wish you a speedy recovery. You are something! I also appreciate my friends more now than I ever did. I was so careless when I was younger and did not value them enough.

  14. You and I share the same birthday, except I was born in 1944. It is uncanny how much alike we are.

    Get healthy and write that book. Can’t wait to read it.

  15. Welcome to the other side! I got my bionic knee on April 20th. Today I swam and will go lift weights in a bit. Yes, there’s still pain from surgery and limited range of motion. I’m still on my way to a life devoid of osteoarthritis pain. And at 46, I’m thankful I could get a new knee. I can’t imagine anyone having to live with osteoarthritis pain. What fun is that? I plan to try and start surfing again in August, new knee and all.

  16. Jane, I know what you are going through. I had severe arthritis in my left knee for years, and I’m only 46.

    I had my left knee replaced back on March 13th of this year.
    Good luck with your recovery, you’ll be glad you did it.

  17. Take care.

  18. Jane,
    Jimmy & I wish you a speedy recovery and know that you will be back dancing in no time.

  19. I’ve been checking several times a day on your blog for your first post. You were in my prayers; glad to know that it’s gone well thus far. Hurry back to Atlanta!!!

  20. Praying for your speedy recovery. We need you out advocating for our less fortunate.

  21. Yippee! Glad you made it thru surgery and are starting rehab.

  22. Don’t be surprised at how difficult this recovery is. Take your pain meds when you need them, and rest a lot. Be sure to pay attention to extension ( your leg has to be flat or you might limp), flex may be less than before but you can do a lot with 115 degrees ( that’s how it’s measured), you don’t need 140 unless you want to be an acrobat. Had mine four years ago at age 77, it’s fine now. Repeat: don’t be surprised! Progress is slow.

  23. Dear Jane,

    So delighted to hear the surgery went well, and that you’re being well taken care of. Morphine allergies are common, and itching is quite unpleasant. Trusting the Dr’s have resolved it today. Be sure to get your rest before and after PT. Will get the name of a product that helps lessen the appearance of scars. Once the staples come out it won’t look as bad.
    Perfect timing for the books completion. Really like the title,it gives a sense of hope and excitement for the future, unlike some preconceptions of aging. Love your prolific writing, and sense of humor. Always makes me smile, laugh. The last 9 or more chapters should be a breeze with all the creative inspiration your having. Have fun researching the sex chapter.
    There is nothing like being surrounded by Love, and all it’s benefits, especially while recovering. I’m sure you will be up and running in record time. Meanwhile, we will cover you in prayer.

    Keep Feeling Our Love, & His Grace

  24. Best wishes for a speedy recovery Jane. I have had issues with my left knee since the age of 16 yrs. It keeps dislocating due to all the wear and tear of dancing for many years. All the Jane Fonda Workouts too no doubt lol. I had surgery to help keep it in, but it likes to pop in and out every now and then to remind me to slow down.

    Enjoy the excuse to rest up a little and write you book. I am confident you will be rushing off on all your projects again soon enough. Big hugs, Amanda xxx

  25. Forgot to mention that I just learned of your blog from an article in today’s paper re your knee replacement. You made the Topeka, KS, newspaper; just a small article w/a picture, no less, and at the end it mentioned that you wrote about it on your blog. So glad to find it. Love your writing. And it’s honest; not some shallow celebrity chattering about nothing. Shallow, you’re not; and you have lots of good to say. I’ll be a loyal blog follower; have been an admirer for a long, long time.

  26. Awe Tulea is still sad in the pic. Her bows are so cute. She’ll be smiling as soon.

  27. I had both knees done several years ago and say do follow all the follow-up exercise. The relief from pain that caused the knee to be replaced is the best of outcomes. Rememebr repeated exercise is DEAD BORING……watch old movies and the hours just fly by!
    You will love the freedom from pain and limping…….the kneeling will take a few years but you will find many other moves toward the goal.
    Be well and keep up the good attitude.
    Mary Alice

  28. I have been reading your blog from the start because I was interested in your return to the stage and your insights into the process. What a joy it has been to follow your everyday adventures. Thank you for sharing your life with such honesty and wit. I have been so impressed with the strength, energy, passion and courage with which you tackle your complex and busy life. Your schedule would wipe out lesser, not to mention far younger, souls…and you still find time to blog!

    Heal well – you are truly an inspiration!

  29. I’m glad that you are doing so well and have such a positive attitude, you will do great.

    I have sympathy about the itching, I had a synthetic morphine when I had my c-section which made me nauseous, they gave me something for the nausea which made me itch…they were going to give me something for the itching and I said “stop the madness”…cold cloth and ice was all i asked for then.

    Here’s to dancing again!

  30. What a great attitude you have about the rehab. I can’t imagine the pain that you must be in right now. Good luck with it, and you will be in our thoughts and prayers. You have such a cute puppy dog. I bet that was a happy reunion.

  31. Great to hear all went well. I was anxious to hear about you condition, and keep you in my prayers.
    Sure the hospital is a good place as any for your “writing muse” to find you and give you a good motivation jolt.
    I’m really being selfish here because I can’t wait for the book.
    For over 30 years I’ve felt great admiration for your determination and the strength of your beliefs, you are a true inspiration .

    God Bless you

  32. Thinking of you Jane. Good luck in your rehab. I have a friend Shirley that won’t get it done. needs a new knee…too scared to get it. she now has a ramp, a motorized chair, everything that goes with that. This will not only give you mobility again wthout pain but the freedom that comes with it. when the time comes “buck up & motorize” but it isn’t time for that yet. you have too many adventures left.

  33. Good to hear you thinking about your book again. When I read your post “About My Faith” I thought, there’s one for the book, it’s pulling you back in. So you’ll be able to shift gears now and get back to work while you’re in between projects. I know you’ll heal well. Take it slow, just like the writing! Yours,

  34. Dear Jane,
    You are a real trouper…hope your recovery time goes smooth. Many thanks for keeping all your fans “in the loop”. You will be put on a prayer chain today for a speedy recovery and may God Bless and keep you safe and may He send not one, but a flock of angels to watch over you….

  35. We are glad to hear directly from you–and that despite the pain, the misery of starting physical therapy, all systems are “GO!” The itching thing–it’s a common side effect of narcotics. Over the counter Benadryl helps with that. The pain thing is tough. Yep, you’ve got people praying for you, Jane. Me too.

    • Bob my husband had his knee replaced….I called him in to look at your pictures….we both agree your amazing…..keep writing…. you are a prophetic voice to so many…after I read your Faith blog….I felt like God afirmed me in my journey….its fresh and alilve …. just like you…I carry you in my heart.

  36. Hi Janne,

    Great news that you are doing OK. You are in my prayers for a speedy recovery and re-hab. Loved your blog. Your attitude is fantastic. It brought smiles to my face. We are supposed to be cheering you up – not the other way around. Looking forward to your progress reports.
    Hugs,
    Wayne

    PS: Whatever the scar is on your leg doesn’t matter. You are still one of the most beautiful ladies on this earth and always will be. Guess a lot of that comes from your inner beauty, also.

  37. Let me intruduce you to myself, I’m Lara, that’s all you need to know.

    I heard about the knee surgery on The Insider, and found out about Twitter, so I thought it’s a good idea to follow my favorite artists’ news. But this site tells more details, and do you have time to write, read and reply to comments and your blogs btw? ‘Cause I have this idea that alot, or all famous people let others reply or read fans’ emails/letters/comments.

    Anyway, hope the recovery goes without any serious problems, at least no painful ones ;p and EVERYONE need love, and it’s one of the most amazing feelings you could ever feel, like the adrenaline rush you get by doing extreme sports (bungee jumping, sky diving, base jumping and etc), half of the heart is made of love, no matter what anyone says, they need to love and to be loved, don’t you agree, whoever’s reading this?

    and good luck with the book, I know what it’s like to stop writing for so long, it really sucks. You look great in the photo with everything going on with you 😀 This dog of yours is adorable, hang out with her as much as you can, their lives are much shorter than ours :S

  38. I’m so happy that eveything is going well. You have such a possitive attitude, its very inspiring to all of your bloggers! I’ve always love you and your movies, but this blog really is great. One can tell what a great person you are, just by reading your blog! Keep up the great work. I look forward to reading your new book! Sending good healing thoughts to!

  39. SO glad to hear you’re okay! I can’t wait for the new book! Have a speedy recovery, and enjoy your computer friends who love you so much!!

  40. Jane,

    Good luck with recovery. I was reading your last book in Barnes and Noble on 68th and Broadway this evening and sent you good vibes. Over Twitter I am going to send you a link about the Frick collection that I think you will like. Take care of yourself, Brian.

  41. You go girl! Jane it’s nice to hear you are doing well. Yeah that itch thing with the drugs, druggies like that sort of thing. Go figure.

  42. HI Jane
    Congrats Jane.You can overcome anything.Little Tulea gets cuter in every photo.

  43. Un fuerte abrazo desde España. Cuidate y recuperate pronto tus admiradores te necesitamos.
    Un besito para Tula

  44. Wishing you the speediest recovery and sending you lots of positive energy, prayers and love!

  45. Bonjour,
    Bienvenue à cette nouvelle partie de votre anatomie: je pense qu’en apprenant à mieux vous connaître…vous allez vous entendre à merveille!
    Vous êtes une guerrière! et ce n’est pas un p’tit bout d’os, qui plus est artificiel, qui va vous entraver!
    S’agissant de l’objet de ce chapitre sur le sexe: il y a quelques années, une amie alors infirmière dans un service de gériatrie avait évoqué cet aspect méconnu de la gérontologie ” tant d’ardeur, d’imagination et d’énergie était encore déployé à la satisfaction de ce besoin encore intense…voir obsessionnel” Un vrai trésor d’espiègleries et de prouesses hautement acrobatiques que nous envisagions, entre deux crises de rires, peut être d’aller y prendre des cours….
    Très cordialement.

  46. Get well soon, Jane. Your voice is very much needed in our world. As a child, I grew up with your work as an artist and entrepreneur as you courageously redefined what women could achieve. As a woman, reading ‘My Life So Far’ was a transformational experience. Your strength and straightforwardness didn’t just bring inspiration to my life but also healing. Thank you so much! I can’t wait to read the next one :))

  47. Hi Jane,

    My prayers and positive healing thoughts have been with you since your surgery. I’m glad to hear you’re doing so well. Good luck with the PT and your new book. I can’t wait to read it! You’re the best!

    Peace, love and light,
    Bill

  48. Hope you recover very fast ! water therapy exercises helps a lot / no impacts. Tulea is beautiful. We have Garoto that reminds her a lot ! plus 10 cats !
    Health and Faith in God!
    Best regards
    Trajano

  49. Glad you are starting your P.T. and love your posative attitude…that is half the battle right there…..As Larry the Cable Guy would say..Get er’ done!……Thank you for the blogs…please keep them coming…Love and God Bless…Char

  50. What an encouragement you are to those who have this surgery or have put off having it. Positive attitude is a lot of anything in life and you exude it. Good luck with the rehab and nice to see pictures of you with your pal, Tulea

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