In 2012, Lauren Wasser, a California model, faced an unforeseen and life-changing health crisis that resulted in the loss of her right leg due to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
This unusual and disturbing consequence of long-term tampon use has left many confused and shocked. But for Lauren, it was just the beginning of an ongoing nightmare. She recently had her other leg amputated, further highlighting the severity and ongoing challenges associated with her condition.
It’s hard for most of us to understand how a hygiene product can create a nightmare and permanently change a life. Lauren’s nightmare continues. Doctors recently had to amputate her other leg.
Lauren is now informing people about the risks associated with the common product because she is adamant that no other woman should have to go through what she did.
Model Lauren Wasser, who lives in California, visited the hospital in 2012 with flu-like symptoms. She was found to have toxic shock syndrome caused by bacterial toxins rather than the flu.
What causes the infection? Washer. Using tampons, especially if used for a long time, can lead to an infection that triggers toxic shock syndrome, or TTS.
Lauren left TTS in a coma for over a week; when it did occur, the infection required amputation of the limb. She was twenty-four years old.
From then on, Lauren’s only goal in life was to make sure no one else had to experience what she did.
No one else should have to experience this. “In a few months, my other leg will inevitably be amputated. I can’t change that. But I can do my part to save others from suffering,” Lauren tells The Daily Mail.
Lauren took Kotex Natural Balance tampons to court, suing the company for grossly insulting her.
“With the vagina being the most absorbent part of the female body and the gateway to many of our vital organs, it’s critical that consumers know the reality of what could be happening to them,” Lauren writes for InStyle.
Unfortunately, Lauren just had to have her other leg amputated.
The model shared a photo of herself with Paralympian Amy Purdy, who also had her legs amputated, on social media as soon as she came out of the operating theatre, along with the caption:
“Life is about to change drastically once again! Still, I’m feeling pretty positive and eager to start my next chapter.”
I am totally in awe of this brave girl. Keep fighting, with courage and hope. Lauren continues to fight, not only for herself but for other people, so that no one else has to experience what she did.
Lauren Wasser’s embarrassing experience with toxic shock syndrome, which resulted in the amputation of both legs due to prolonged tampon use, serves as a cautionary tale for women around the world. Her constant struggle and determination to raise awareness of the risks associated with certain hygiene products has become her life’s mission.
In 2012, Lauren’s health crisis unfolded when flu-like symptoms led to the discovery of toxic shock syndrome, caused by prolonged use of tampons. A severe infection put her in a coma, and upon awakening, she faced the devastating reality of having a limb amputated at the young age of twenty-four.
Since then, Lauren has been an advocate, determined to prevent others from suffering a similar fate. Her legal action against tampon manufacturers, such as the Kotex Natural Balance brand, aims to hold the companies accountable for the potential health risks of their products.
In her efforts to educate and inform others, Lauren emphasizes the importance of consumers being aware of the potential dangers associated with using tampons. The recent amputation of her other leg only strengthens her determination to raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies from happening to anyone else.
Sharing her journey and a picture alongside Paralympian Amy Purdy, Lauren shows resilience and optimism for the future. Despite the challenges that await her, she remains determined in her fight not only for herself but for others as well, ensuring that no one else falls victim to the same fate as her. Her courage and determination continue to inspire and encourage others to remain vigilant and informed about the risks associated with certain everyday products.