Nurses refusing to do contraceptive injection - trigeminal neuralgia

[Contraceptiveproblem]

I don't know if my name change has worked but if it has and anyone has an issue MN can confirm this is real and I've spoken about my exemption before, I idn't put about face covering exemption in title as I don't want a pile on. I regularly (including throughout lockdown as I cannot switch to the pill due to interaction with meds I'm already on) have the contraceptive injection. I called to book it for next week to be told nurses are refusing to see any patients without a face covering and that it would have to be a doctor - that's fine. I am exempt from wearing a face covering as I have a brain tumor causing severe trigeminal neuralgia so can't have anything touching my face, and cannot wear a shield because I have a scar from brain surgery up the right side of my head which I cannot have any pressure on. I have posted about this on threads before. It's very difficult and I rarely go anywhere that would require one if I don't desperately need to as I know what people think. I've received a phone call this morning from the nurse who advised they won't be doing it. I can't wear any type of face covering even though I would much prefer to. Any pressure on my face or head can cause me to fit, wet myself, at worst and at best leave me in agony in my face and head for days and weeks afterwards. As it happens the meds which mean I can't change my contraceptive are actually the ones that treat the neuralgia so they are fully aware of it, they were my GP throughout my tumor and other diagnosis'. I'm happy for a doctor to do it as was suggested yesterday - but for some reason they told me that and went to speak to their manager to arrange it, but all I have been given is a call back from a nurse to tell me the nurse won't do it. I couldn't actually speak to the nurse as they were busy so they read the notes which said that they won't do it, it wasn't clear if this means the nurses won't (fine) or nobody will (not fine). I have extremely heavy painful periods which made me anemic and faint, and the injection stops them completely which is why I'm on it in the first place as it was the only option that wouldn't be affected by my current meds. Surely they can't refuse me access to care because I am legally exempt? I don't know what I can do about this?

@Contraceptiveproblem

I suppose I wanted (and got, thanks everyone!) advice from people who know more about it than me - I'm sure they're not legally allowed to refuse me medical treatment based on my disability but I don't know how I can actually action getting the treatment if they flat out refuse. I understand why they might not want to too, but we all have to do things we don't want to in the course of our jobs and we can't discriminate against people, I would think this particularly applies in a caring role. I haven't insisted the nurses treat me in fact I've stated several times on here and also advised them over the phone that I am happy for another practitioner to do the appointment. I don't think I'm wrong to expect to receive necessary medical care from my GP, whether that is my contraceptive or anything else that I need. I specifically didn't mention anything about the exemption in the title because people pile on like you have, with little to no compassion or understanding or even an attempt to. I'm glad you don't understand how badly this affects people - I wish I didn't. Thank you, I appreciate it.

Sorry that you have this issue, but here you sound very entitled. Nurses are surrounded by Covid patients every day of the week. Only yesterday a piece on Woman’s Hour was about the stress nurses are currently under due to the pandemic. They are not refusing to give you an injection just to be awkward or mean. You dont wear a mask so potentially youre more likely to be infected unless you’ve been self isolating, so youre immediately putting them at risk as clearly they cant inject you from a safe distance away. You’re not prepared to put yourself in pain and yet youre prepared, indeed you’re almost demanding, that others put themselves at risk for your benefit. If you absolutely need this injection then you’re going to have to risk the effect wearing a mask for a few seconds may have on you. You cannot expect another person take a risk of contracting a disease that so far has killed 50000 people in the UK.

Sorry haven’t rtft but I would push for sayana press (home administration - sexual health clinics should have it if GP doesn’t), but I think a GP would probably see and administer in the interim whilst you sort the alternative out so carry on pushing to see a GP. I know it seems obvious but try not to go in on the offensive on the GP - they will be very likely to want to help you, and there may be some health issues/other reasons that the nurse can’t/won’t see people not wearing masks. I know it’s a frustrating situation when you are being given the runaround, but just be persistent and polite, it will get you further in the long run. Good luck!

@Soontobe60 you are wrong and this is disability discrimination

My old drs my dd still attends and they are doing contraception injections under a gazebo in the car park, also infant vaccinations etc. Is this an option to reduce the risk for the nurse. I do understand that it's tricky because your need (not to wear a mask) and their need (patients to wear masks to reduce covid transmission to them) are directly in conflict and if they were to get sick from you being asymptomatic they are the ones to suffer ill health, potentially long term plus even worse. Contraception via injection is not a necessary treatment so it's trickier than if they were performing something lifesaving.

As to the whole question of being exempt, it's a minefield, not straightforward. I also get pain from anything touching my face but I'm finding it's lessening as the months go on, after all I wear clothes elsewhere and tolerate it (I have neurofibromyalgia among other things). I've found silk scarves easier than masks btw.

I do think pushing for a compromise like al fresco treatment could be your solution.

@Soontobe60 I cannot believe your reply! As it happens I have only been going out for essential food shopping and medical care. That's it. The 3 nurses who work at my GP surgery aren't in and out of wards stressing around COVID patients ffs, they're doing contraceptive injections and taking blood. I appreciate what a crisis this is but it's not like I'm walking into A&E and demanding they do my injection is it?! No, shockingly enough I am not prepared to put myself through weeks of agony because my healthcare provider doesn't want to treat me due to something that I cannot help due to ny disability, but it's not just pain that it causes, as I have mentioned I also fit, injure myself, wet myself, and need care after these episodes. It's also not just a risk, it's absolutely guaranteed that anything putting pressure on my face and head results in these issues. You clearly have no idea about my condition otherwise you wouldn't have made such an ignorant comment. I do not need the injection AS much as I need to not be in pain, at my worst points I have even considered suicide just to get rid of it, but I will have horrendous side effects if I don't have the injection and likely end up in hospital and just need treatment anyway, in a place where there actually ARE covid patients to be looked after. This is why I posted in health and not something like AIBU, and why I didn't put anything about exemption in the title. It's NOT a choice just to put one on for 5 minutes. I am physically unable to. I won't be so rude as to swear, but I'm sure you get the idea. Thank you @Thedot90 I had never heard of it before this thread but it actually sounds fab and even after covid if I find a way to get it I would prefer it! Would be easier all round. I have been entirely polite up until now, even to the people who have been rude to me, it's just all so stressful.

Could you ask if one of the district nurses would be able to come to your home to do it?

How shit, I’m sorry this is happening.

Not ideal; but our GPS are vaccinating outside.... could this be an option?

I would be livid, it's a disgrace that you are being refused health care because you are exempt from wearing a mask!

This is not how NHS staff generally behave. I'm a nurse and whilst all staff wear masks at all times, we don't expect our patients to do so at all. They are offered masks but there is no obligation and most chose not to.

I honestly don't know what is happening to GP services but it seems almost impossible to get care at the moment. I have no clue how they can opt out and use covid as an excuse but inpatient services are rightly expected to carry on with nothing to protect us but a flimsy fluid resistant mask and a plastic apron.

I hope you get a satisfactory outcome OP.

@Contraceptiveproblem could you ask for the injection to be done I the carpark? Shielding patients are offered this option. Also are they aware the injection is for medical reasons ie your painful periods and not because you refuse to use other options such as condoms?

I could ask but I haven't seen them do anything like that outside so I doubt they would set it up just for me, if they already have it though I will offer, I don't mind.

@movingonup20 I don't know what you want me to say about it being tricky for them. Yes, it's tricky for everyone, but it's their job, and the only reason they're refusing me the treatment is because of my disability.

Sadly it is necessary as my periods are extremely painful and make me severely anaemic which causes me to faint a lot and my injection stops them (and yes I have tried treatment for the anemia), and due to my other medications I am unable to switch to the alternatives. They of course are aware of all of this, being that they are my GP. But even if I didn't have medical need, of course contraceptive is necessary. Female healthcare is necessary. I don't see how it's not. Would you say it's unnecessary to a woman with an abusive partner and it's the only way she can stop herself getting pregnant without him knowing? I doubt it. My tumor can't be fully removed so it's here to stay. I've had the same amount of pain for over 4 years now, so sadly not going away or getting better. I wish it would. I don't have pain in the rest of my body so other clothes are not a problem, when I'm in the middle of a seizure it's not really about what I can 'tolerate'. I hope you're okay.

Not sure if someone could come to my house, I'd imagine if people don't want to give my a 5 min appt in the surgery they won't want to but it's a good idea and I can ask.

I'm hoping they just call me back in the morning and say here's your appointment and it will all be over

@AldiAisleofCrap the nurse definitely was aware as she usually gives it to me (theres only 3 and they vaguely know me) but it seems that the nurses that work at my GP have come together and said no as a collective and no exceptions so the reason didn't matter. Will ask if they do things in the car park and offer, thank you!

@Contraceptiveproblem They cannot say no exemptions! You are medically unable to wear a mask. Feel angry on your behalf, am disabled myself (wheelchair user) when I had my third daughter the midwifes kept moving my chair because it was “in the way” leaving me unable to go to the toilet and no bells were answered as they were busy. They then shouted at me asking the lovely cleaner to get it for me as it wasn’t her job. She got it anyway

*buzzers not bells.

My surgery is absolutely refusing to do contraceptive injection. I suffer epileptic migraines brought on by every other contraception apart from injection as it stops my period. The depo is unavailable, end of. However, there is a new one you can do at home. Could you do that? It's so easy and much less hassle x

This sounds ridiculous.
I'm a practice nurse that has seen hundreds and hundreds of patients since March, often redirected from secondary care and also using a flimsy mask and a plastic apron. Smears, injections, the lot. We haven't opted out of anything. In fact we had no ppe for the first month and I since tested positive for antibodies.
Ask the local sexual health clinic to do it for you or would they be happy with you just wearing a visor?
Sayana Press is another option. You'd give this subcutaneously into your thigh or stomach by yourself, much easier and maybe a long term option for you.

This is indirect disability discrimination. It's not proportionate to say 'no exceptions' because:

1. masks only help reduce the risk a bit - they're not a magic bullet

2. there are obvious and simple reasonable adjustments that could be made, e.g. additional PPE for the nurse or arranging to do the jab in an outdoor setting

3. the impact on you of not being able to have the jab is hugely detrimental

Also GP surgeries perform a public function so they have to meet the public sector equality duty. This means that as well as not being allowed to unlawfully discriminate, they are required to actively think about how they can ensure people are not excluded because of a protected characteristic.

A PP mentioned asking to see their written policy and I agree this is a good idea. Also start doing things in writing and keep copies. Ask for the practice's complaints procedure and follow it, escalating as necessary.

EASS helpline can advise on your rights:

www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/helplines/equality-advisory-support-service

@Soontobe60 its not pai like a bad headache, or a broken arm, or labour even. Up until the 50s ot was known as the suicide disease because with no treatment people used to kill themselves rather than ensuring the pain. Its literally the most painful condition known.

You would certainly not just put up with it and such it up as you seem to be suggesting she does. Do some research. Its nothing general neuropathic pain which is bad enough.

If they are in PPE the risk for a 2 minute exposure is minimal.

The op has a choice between causing herself the most agonising pain, or no contraception...pretty sure that given her medical conditions a pregnancy right now isn't advisable.

Do the posters saying someone with a fucking brain tumour is being entitled or unreasonable to expect basic medical care, realise what utter fucking twats they sound?

Perhaps you could read this and realise how ignorant (literally) you are so you don't embarrass yourselves further.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own#exemptions

Look I've even copied and pasted so you can't plead ignorance any more. HTH.

When you do not need to wear a face covering
In settings where face coverings are required in England, there are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear a face covering. From 5 November, see the guidance on national restrictionss_ to find out which of these settings remain open to the public.
Please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances, noting that some people are less able to wear face coverings, and that the reasons for this may not be visible to others.
This includes (but is not limited to):
• children under the age of 11 (Public Health England does not recommend face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
• people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
• if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
• to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others ‒ including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity
• police officers and other emergency workers, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public

OP I hope you get sorted, it's a shit situation and they are making it worse.

@Soontobe60 that’s just vile.

Reflect for just a moment.

OP, sorry can't help with the main query.
but re face coverings, have you tried those visor-types that are attached to lightweight spectacles frames.
if you can wear glasses this might work. but then if you have to wear glasses all the time, might be a problem.. sorry.
i have seen the ones i mean, worn by food seller. he finds it more comfortable, in hot enviro, cooking, rather than a tight band around forehead.
don't know what they are called. they are one piece with the frames, which are also clear plastic, slightly blue at sides.
good luck.

this is the sort of thing i mean. seems can be worn with own glasses.might get one myself! sorry can't post pic, click below.

www.stevenagepackaging.co.uk/shop/product/98/reusable-face-shield-glasses?gclid=CjwKCAiAtK79BRAIEiwA4OskBsDaUzUPGslq9CDLaxmKNMMgPRSWrQmrgfVysRY0S1oNOpvN2p6nlBoCKQUQAvD_BwE

@Soontobe60

You obviously have no idea what TN pain feels like, it's not just a headache or a bit of a sore face. If you lived with it for a bit, you'd have not written all that rubbish. It's been referred to as the most excruciating pain known to humanity.

I'd suggest reading up on it before posting complete crap. To make it simple for you, search "Suicide Disease".

I would co tact hour local councillor or mp to escalate it with the local clinical commissioning group.

Is there no way that you can maybe just hold a mask up and over your mouth for a few minutes as opposed to wearing it with ear loops etc? If nothing can touch your face then how do you get dental treatment, wash your face, sleep at night as being as while asleep, your face will inadvertently press against your pillow...? Maybe think about how you work around these and see if there is a similar work around for the mask?

I hope you get it sorted OP.