She risked dying but she gave it her all, continuing to live her life and overcoming the enormous difficulties she faces on a daily basis: from Vogue to Glamour, she is requested by the most important fashion magazines and often ends up on the cover. Lauren Wasser she is a 36 year old Californian model who suffered theamputation of both legs for a very rare syndrome triggered by absorbents.
Lauren’s story
Even though the story happened many years ago, during the Life Uncut podcast he brought his story up to date to raise awareness of an issue that many are unaware of and to inform about Toxic shock syndrome (Tss). Even though the model regularly changed her pads, at the age of 24 something happened to her that changed her life forever. “People think they are invincible, no one is off-limits, TSS can happen to anyone at any time“, he explained and denounced that many swabs on the market would be “full of bleach, dioxin and chlorine” and that products marked as 100% cotton are “still sprayed with pesticides“.
The rush to the hospital
In that cursed 2012, Lauren changed her pads every four hours but one day she started to experience fever and strong flu symptoms: at first it was thought it might be a normal illness but shortly after she was found face down in her apartment almost at the end of its life. She was rushed to hospital, she even had two heart attacks with the doctors only giving her 1% chance of living. In a medically induced coma for over a week, an infectious disease doctor ordered the staff to check if she had a swab and after carrying out a test the diagnosis was merciless: it was Tss. There was nothing to do except amputate her right leg and in 2018 also her left leg due to a “excruciating pain” and practically unable to walk.
What is Toxic Shock Syndrome
On catwalks around the world he appears with two prosthesis golden color and is always grateful to life for being able to carry out her daily life in the best possible way, given the circumstances. This syndrome is very rare and would be caused by some bacteria: women who have their period are more exposed; scholars believe it is linked to the use of tampons. Even today the mechanisms that lead to this syndrome are not known, it is believed that some bacteria can proliferate excessively in a swab with blood. Between symptoms here is high fever, muscle pain, skin rash and a clinical picture that initially would make one think of a bad flu. “Tss requires urgent treatment. This may involve antibiotics, fluids, blood pressure medications, oxygen and surgery,” the experts explain.
What advice
Between suggestions most frequently asked by doctors is not to leave tampons, menstrual cups and contraceptive caps on for longer than necessary, wash your hands correctly after using them: tampons should be changed every four hours at most and sanitary towels are recommended during the night.
