The APF Video Project

Ken

After the fun-filled morning of filming Ingrid in Manhattan, I hopped in my car and drove up to interview Ken in Massachusetts. I first talked to Ken a few years ago, when we me met through the ADRSupport site. After corresponding with him many times since our first chat in 2005, it was interesting to finally meet Ken and his wife in person.

Mary and Ken live in the sticks (thank God for a new & cheap GPS) and welcomed me in their quintessentially perfect country home. Since it was my first “unsupervised” camera interview, I had to futz around with the camera and wireless mikes while Ken patiently waited. After an eternity of Ken watching me trying to get the microphone(s) working, he asked dryly, “Rich, is the mute button supposed to be on?” So, thank God for intelligent interviewees, as this silly step completed the setup process as we readied ourselves to start the interview.

Like many patients, Ken has experienced chronic back pain issues for many years. He’s suffered through many spine procedures, ranging from a multi-level IDET to fusion. He spoke candidly and thoughtfully about managing his painful condition while working as a police detective.

And we talked openly about the all the research he did: using the Internet, talking to patients, meeting with doctors and talking things over with his supportive wife. Ultimately, Ken did decide to have surgery and reports that he is doing much better after a two-level disc replacement. Here he is with Mary, against the backdrop of the European countryside…