I often post my spine for sale on Facebook, or offer to trade spines with friends and family. I know it’s totally impossible, but I have a weird sense of humor.

The truth is that I hate my spine. Body image … How it affects the daily life … how it changed my career choice.

Anyway, I was given the Harrington Rods in 2003 … when all the research I’ve seen shows that people quit doing that procedure in the 90’s. The rods are slowly corroding, and it’s just a matter of time before my body doesn’t work anymore.

People tell me to take medication… but I can’t. I’m a suicidal addict (11 years sober this November!), and although I don’t know how much time I have left to “live,” I know I want to have as much of a full life as possible.