A St Helens mother has spoken of the distress of watching both her daughters undergo major spinal surgery within nine months of each other, saying she “broke down in tears” as they faced their operations. Barbara Bradshaw, 50, and her husband Mark were left in shock when they learned that both Olivia and Stephanie had scoliosis, a condition that causes the spine to curve.
The sisters had spinal fusion surgery at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, with Stephanie, then 11, undergoing the operation in June 2023, followed by Olivia, then 14, in March 2024. Olivia, now 17, had initially been referred to a consultant at Whiston Hospital after suffering from back pain and constipation.
Discovery of the condition
Barbara told the ECHO that Olivia was around 10 at the time, but because of the covid pandemic, appointments were conducted online. The doctor reassured them that such issues were common for girls her age and gave her sachets. In May 2022, the doctor said he was going to sign her off but wanted her to come in for a check-up now that restrictions were over.
During the examination, the doctor noticed that Olivia's spine appeared curved. Barbara recalled being stunned when the consultant showed her what he had spotted. She said: "He told me it’s most likely scoliosis and that he was going to refer her to Alder Hey. At this point I hadn't heard of scoliosis. So I was in shock, because obviously we were going to be signed off from one issue to then hear that she had quite a severe issue with her spine."
Olivia was referred to Alder Hey, where an X-ray confirmed the extent of the curve. Barbara said: "When I saw that X-ray of her curved spine, that’s when it really hit home. It was like the floor just fell away, and I felt physically sick when I saw it. Even though I had researched online and seen images, when you see your daughter’s own X-ray, it was just completely different."
A second diagnosis
Olivia's condition was initially monitored, as surgery was not immediately certain, and she was too close to skeletal maturity for bracing. Around nine months after first learning about the condition, Olivia decided she wanted surgery, as her pain had become so severe she had to give up swimming at St Helens Swimming Club.
But before Olivia's operation, the family received another shock. A few months after Olivia's diagnosis, Barbara noticed a pronounced rib hump on Stephanie while she was getting changed. Barbara said: "I just felt sick. I thought, 'No, this can't possibly be happening, that Stephanie has got it as well'."
Following a GP appointment, Stephanie was also referred to Alder Hey and underwent an X-ray in December 2022. Barbara said the image showed a double curve in her daughter's spine. She added: "This time, it was much, much worse. It was a double curve. It was like an 'S' on the screen. It was just horrific."
Surgery and recovery
Stephanie's surgery came first, in June 2023, when she was 11 and finishing Year 6. Olivia underwent her operation the following March. Barbara said: "Even though Olivia was diagnosed first, her surgery was second. I had already been through it before with Stephanie, so I thought it would be better. But no, I was still anxious and didn't sleep, and the next morning, taking them down to the anaesthetic room and leaving them there, I was a complete mess."
The sisters had different recovery experiences. Stephanie experienced significant pain in the first few days but was back at school within two-and-a-half weeks, determined not to miss her Year 6 prom. Olivia's recovery took much longer, with her returning to school gradually. It later emerged that Olivia was autistic, with school raising concerns after she returned following surgery.
Barbara said she would "have done anything to take their place", describing the experience as one of the hardest things she had ever faced. She said: "I would have done anything to have swapped places with them both, because it was just horrible seeing them go through it. But they both took it in their stride and took it so much better than I did."
A book to help others
Barbara spent hours researching the condition, joining Facebook groups and reading accounts from other parents. She praised Alder Hey staff, saying: "I cannot say enough gratitude, appreciation, and how brilliant they all are. It's just the most amazing hospital. I'm so thankful that we've got that on our doorstep."
Now Barbara is preparing to publish More Than a Curve, a personal account of her family's experience. She said: "The biggest thing for me was feeling alone. I just hope that it'll help other parents and families in my position. At the end of the book, Olivia and Stephanie have written a little bit about their story from their own side."
Both girls continue to experience some pain and issues with hip alignment, but Barbara said they are doing well today. Olivia is in her second year at sixth form, studying a BTEC in media and A-level maths, and hopes to study media at Edge Hill University. Stephanie has started Year 10. Barbara said: "We've come together as a family. We're stronger and understand each other more. The love is just unimaginable, and you do get through it, and you come out stronger on the other side." More Than a Curve is due to be published on Monday, October 26.
