What if a routine product we use every month could pose a life-threatening hazard?
For many, tampons are a staple of menstrual hygiene, but there is a potential risk behind their daily use that most people are unaware of. In 2012, Lauren Wasser faced a terrifying ordeal that changed her life forever and revealed the hidden dangers of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Wasser’s story begins with a seemingly ordinary object but spirals into a dramatic narrative of survival and transformation. Her harrowing experience is not just a personal tragedy, but a vital lesson in awareness and advocacy that highlights the urgent need to understand and prevent TSS.
Lauren Wasser nearly died in 2012 from toxic shock syndrome (TSS), an uncommon but potentially fatal disease caused by a bacterial infection. In this case, a standard tampon caused Wasser’s infection. Wassur was close to death when she arrived at the hospital because she contracted TSS despite using a sanitary product as directed. After two heart attacks, she fell into a medically induced coma. She lost two legs, but doctors were able to save her life.
“The Girl with the Golden Feet”
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Wasser’s legs were black from gangrene when she first awoke from her coma, and doctors told her she would soon have to amputate them. “It felt like someone was setting my legs on fire; it was a crazy burning sensation.” The right leg was clearly much more damaged than the left; you could see that my left toes were turning purple. Then it became clear that they would either have to amputate my right leg to save my life, or I would perish.”
The 24-year-old’s right leg was amputated, but there was a 50% chance her left leg would recover. But shortly before she turned thirty, her leg was amputated due to the agony she had been experiencing for six years. Since then, Wassur has continued her modeling career, becoming famous as “the girl with the golden legs” thanks to her distinctive prosthetics. However, it took her a while to accept her post-toxic Shock Syndrome reality. After the initial amputation, she was unable to live freely and spent eight months in a wheelchair.
She struggled with grief and suicidal thoughts and felt like she had completely lost her identity. But she has come a long way since then. She is now a very successful model and no longer in chronic discomfort.
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She told Vogue: “Since I was diagnosed with TSS ten years ago, I’ve seen the business gradually embrace inclusivity, but I’ve had to fight for my place. There was no manual for a model like me. Someone like me he didn’t. I don’t walk the runway very often, I have to carve out my own space, my own path in life.”
Increasing knowledge
By sharing her experience, Wasser hopes to raise awareness about toxic shock syndrome and prevent others from going through what she did. “[Tampons] are made with chlorine bleach, dioxins, and synthetic fibers that create a perfect storm in our bodies,” she said. “I worked with Madeline Mosby, a mother who lost her teenage daughter to TSS at the age of 18. We were united in our desire to lobby for and pass these laws, as well as change the world, despite the tragedy and darkness that followed.
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She put a lot of work into it, like starting DontShockMe.org.
We are trying to act immediately.”
All in all, Wasser is happy with her new existence. Her words: “I’m lucky to be alive,” “I feel like my goal now is to be the face and the voice of people knowing that this is real and that this is happening.”
Read more about shock toxins
Tampon use is associated with toxic shock syndrome, although it is not the only cause. Generally, this disease is caused by toxins produced by Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that enter the bloodstream. Cuts, burns, and other open wounds are possible entry points for bacteria into the body. Consequently, TSS can occur during the use of a dialysis catheter or even after surgery. It is currently unknown how tampons cause TSS. According to some doctors, bacteria enter the vagina through a wound caused by the tampon fibers scraping the skin. Some argue that tampons can attract bacteria, especially if they are used for long periods of time. Other risk factors include a weakened immune system, recent childbirth, nasal congestion, use of a diaphragm or vaginal sponge, and a diagnosis of the flu.
Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:
Due to toxic shock syndrome, the model lost both legs and was only gone for a few minutes.
Lauren Wasser nearly died in 2012 from toxic shock syndrome (TSS), an uncommon but potentially fatal disease caused by a bacterial infection. In this case, a standard tampon caused Wasser’s infection. Wassur was close to death when she arrived at the hospital because she contracted TSS despite using a sanitary product as directed. After two heart attacks, she fell into a medically induced coma. She lost two legs, but doctors were able to save her life.
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“The Girl With The Golden Feet”
Wasser’s legs were black from gangrene when she first awoke from the coma, and doctors told her she would soon have to amputate them. “It felt like someone was setting my legs on fire; it was a crazy burning sensation.” The right leg was clearly much more damaged than the left; you could see that my left toes were turning purple. Then it became clear that they would either have to amputate my right leg to save my life, or I would perish.”
The 24-year-old’s right leg was amputated, but there was a 50% chance her left leg would recover. But shortly before she turned thirty, her leg was amputated because of the agony she had been experiencing for six years. Since then, Wassur has continued her modeling career, becoming famous as “the girl with the golden legs” thanks to her distinctive prosthetics. However, it took her a while to accept her post-toxic Shock Syndrome reality. After the initial amputation, she was unable to live freely and spent eight months in a wheelchair.
She struggled with grief and suicidal thoughts and felt like she had completely lost her identity. But she has come a long way since then. She is now a very successful model and no longer in chronic discomfort.
She told Vogue: “Since I was diagnosed with TSS ten years ago, I’ve seen the business gradually embrace inclusivity, but I had to fight for my place. There was no manual for a model like me. Someone like I haven’t walked the runway often, I have to carve out my own space, my own path in life.”
Increasing knowledge
By sharing her experience, Wasser hopes to raise awareness about toxic shock syndrome and prevent others from going through what she did. “[Tampons] are made with chlorine bleach, dioxins, and synthetic fibers that create a perfect storm in our bodies,” she said. “I worked with Madeline Mosby, a mother who lost her teenage daughter to TSS at the age of 18. We were united in our desire to lobby for and pass these laws, as well as change the world, despite the tragedy and darkness that followed.
She put a lot of work into it, like starting DontShockMe.org.
We are trying to act immediately.”
All in all, Wasser is happy with her new existence. Her words: “I’m lucky to be alive,” “I feel like my goal now is to be the face and the voice of people knowing that this is real and that this is happening.”
Read more about shock toxins
Tampon use is associated with toxic shock syndrome, although it is not the only cause. Generally, this disease is caused by toxins produced by Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that enter the bloodstream. Cuts, burns, and other open wounds are possible entry points for bacteria into the body. Consequently, TSS can occur during the use of a dialysis catheter or even after surgery. It is currently unknown how tampons cause TSS. According to some doctors, bacteria enter the vagina through a wound caused by the tampon fibers scraping the skin. Some argue that tampons can attract bacteria, especially if they are used for long periods of time. Other risk factors include a weakened immune system, recent childbirth, nasal congestion, use of a diaphragm or vaginal sponge, and a diagnosis of the flu.
Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:
High temperature
Confusion
Headaches
Pain in the muscles
vomiting
Diarrhea
vomiting
rashes
lips, throat, and eyes red Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
low blood pressure
Convulsions
organ dysfunction
Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome often coexist with symptoms of other illnesses, such as the flu.
For this reason, it is important to understand both the causes and symptoms of TSS. For example, if you experience the above while using a tampon or recovering from surgery, seek medical attention immediately. Remember that TSS is a medical emergency and that with prompt treatment, the patient may have a better prognosis.
Fortunately, toxic shock syndrome can be avoided in certain situations. Start by using tampons with minimal absorbency and frequent changes every four to eight hours. (If you’ve ever experienced TSS, avoid using tampons entirely.) Tampons should be replaced with sanitary pads at night. Wash your hands thoroughly when changing menstrual cups and membranes. In addition, always clean wounds and change bandages as needed.
Lauren Wasser’s journey from the brink of death to becoming a prominent advocate for toxic shock syndrome (TSS) awareness is harrowing and inspiring. Her story, marked by unimaginable pain and loss, eventually turned into a beacon of hope and change. Through a personal tour, Wasser explained the hidden dangers of TSS and the importance of preventive measures.
Her resilience and determination to raise awareness not only empowered her to rebuild her life but also helped others avoid the same fate. By sharing her experience and working with organizations like DontShockMe.org, Wasser works to prevent future cases and educate the public about the dangers of tampon use.
When we consider Wasser’s remarkable recovery and advocacy, it is clear that her contributions extend beyond her own recovery. They highlight the critical need for awareness and vigilance about TSS. The lessons from her story underscore the importance of early medical intervention and preventative healthcare practices. Through her efforts, Lauren Wasser continues to make a profound impact, ensuring that her experience serves as a catalyst for positive change and greater awareness in the fight against toxic shock syndrome.