Former miner from Derbyshire can enjoy his retirement thanks to joint replacement surgery

A former miner whose life – and hobbies – were severely hampered by crumbling thumb joints is enjoying a new lease of life thanks to surgery at Barlborough NHS Treatment Centre.
Haydn Maisfield with pug MarleyHaydn Maisfield with pug Marley
Haydn Maisfield with pug Marley

After working for nearly 30 years at Markham Colliery, near Duckmanton, and then at a furnace manufacturer, lifting 80 tonnes of materials a day in 25kg bags, Haydn Maisfield, 63, from Wingerworth, was in constant pain and his thumb joints had begun to deteriorate.

Haydn said: “The pain was terrible and constant. Sleeping was difficult and work was impossible.

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“Although my employers tried to find work that was suitable, I also had problems with my elbows and knees, which meant it was hard to find something I could do long-term.”

But, thanks to intricate joint-replacement surgery, he is back and planning family fun with his three grandchildren.

He said: “I loved wood and bone working, but I could no longer make walking sticks, not just because of the pain, but because of the lack of grip and dexterity.

“I enjoyed cycling, but I could no longer do it because, after a while, I couldn’t grip the handlebars. My sons said they were happy to keep waiting for me, but I did not want to spoil their fun.

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“It was so frustrating, I could not open cans or jars or do anything that required grip and strength. It was hard as I was used to being the person that everyone came to for help.

“My father died, from work-related health conditions, when I was young.

“So, at 63, I decided to take redundancy and retirement as my wife, Jayne, and I have so much more we want to do together and with our growing family.”

Mr Maisfield’s GP sent him to Barlborough NHS Treatment Centre where he was assessed for an operation that would see the failing joint removed.

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He said: “Everyone was wonderful, cheerful and professional. My surgeon, Kirsten Beyermann, was exceptionally good.

“She was funny and clearly very good and I felt completely safe and confident.”

The surgery was a complete success and Mr Maisfield’s recovery went well.

He said: “It is wonderful. I am pain-free, and I have started cycling on the road and in the gym.”

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