‘Bionic’ hairdresser’s career saved by arthritis study

After 43 years as a hairdresser, Beverley Wadsworth thought nothing could stop her from doing the job she loves.

But, when the 58-year-old first developed symptoms of osteoarthritis, commonly known as thumb arthritis, she was faced with a tough decision on whether to hang up the scissors altogether.

The condition meant she could no longer grip a hairdryer, twist a brush or use a comb without pain.

Wadsworth said she was only six months away from taking early retirement when she was accepted on to a trial pitting a new modern joint-replacement technique – described as a “mini-hip replacement for your thumb” – against more traditional methods.

The national trial, led by University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has given her the chance to work for another 10 years, she said.

Speaking before her surgery, Wadsworth, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, said the pain in her hand became worse since she was first diagnosed two years ago.

“My hands are my tools and without them I can’t do my job,” she said.

“At first, it was just small, sharp pains, here and there – but then as the pain got worse over the last two years, my grip started getting worse.

“Working at the moment is quite uncomfortable – it’s bone rubbing bone.

“I’m fed up with it.

“It impacted my life quite a lot – mentally too, because I’m in pain all the time.

“I absolutely love my job, but I was struggling to do it.”