In 2012, Lauren Wasser nearly died from toxic shock syndrome (TSS) — a rare but life-threatening condition caused by a bacterial infection. In this case, Wasser’s infection was brought on by a regular tampon. Despite using the hygiene product as directed, Wassur contracted TSS and was on the brink of death when she arrived at the hospital. She had suffered two heart attacks and went into a medically-induced coma. The doctors saved her life at the cost of her two legs.

“The Girl With The Golden Legs”

When Wasser initially woke up from her coma, her legs were black from gangrene and her doctors informed her about the upcoming amputations. “My feet were on fire, it was like someone was lighting my foot on fire, the burning sensation was insane. My right leg was worse than my left, my toes on my left were turning purple but my right side, there was a lot more damage, you could tell. So then the concern came in that basically they needed to amputate my right leg to save my life or I was going to die.” [1]

The then-24-year-old had her right leg amputated, but there was a 50% chance her left leg could heal. However, after suffering from pain in that leg for six years, she had it amputated just before her 30th birthday. Ever since, Wassur has continued modeling and has earned the name “the girl with the golden legs” after her unique prosthetics. However, embracing her reality after toxic shock syndrome took her a long time. After her first amputation, she was stuck in a wheelchair for eight months and couldn’t live independently. She felt like she had lost her entire identity and struggled with depression and suicidal ideation. But she has come a long way since then. She no longer lives in constant pain and she is an extremely successful fashion model.

“Over the past decade since I contracted TSS, I have witnessed the industry slowly embrace inclusivity,” she wrote on Vogue, “but make no mistake: I’ve had to fight for my place. There was no blueprint for a model like me. Rarely has someone like myself appeared on the runway. I have had to create my own lane, my own avenue of existence.” [2]

Spreading Awareness

Wasser uses her story to spread awareness about toxic shock syndrome, so no one else would suffer as she did. “[Tampons] are made using chlorine bleach, dioxin and synthetic fibres, which create the perfect storm in our bodies,” she said. “I have been working with a mother who lost her teenage daughter to TSS when she was 18, Madeline Mosby. Through the darkness and trauma of that we have joined forces in wanting to change the world and wanting to advocate and pass these bills. She’s been doing a lot of the groundwork like starting her foundation DontShockMe.org. There is a bill that we are working on to pass.” 

Overall, Wasser has embraced her new life. “I’m just lucky to be alive,” she said. “I feel like my purpose now is to be the face and the voice of this, so people know that it is real and that it does happen.” [3]

More About Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome has been linked to tampon use but it’s not the only cause. Overall, this condition occurs when the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes reach the bloodstream and create toxins. The bacteria can enter the body through a cut, burn, or another type of open wound. Therefore, TSS can occur after surgeries and even from dialysis catheters. As of now, it’s unclear how tampons lead to TSS. Some experts theorize the tampon fibers scratch the vagina and create a wound for the bacteria to enter through. Others say that tampons, especially those used for extended periods of time, can attract bacteria. More risk factors include use of a diaphragm or vaginal sponge, recent childbirth, recent flu diagnosis, nasal packing, and a compromised immune system.

Signs of Toxic Shock Syndrome include:

• Seizures 
• Organ failure [4]

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome often overlap with other conditions, like the flu. Therefore, it’s important to know the signs of TSS as well as its causes. For instance, if you are recovering from surgery or using a tampon while experiencing the above, seek urgent medical attention. Remember, TSS is a medical emergency and immediate treatment can provide a better outlook for the patient. 

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent toxic shock syndrome. For one, wear low-absorbency tampons and change them regularly every 4 to 8 hours. (If you have a history of TSS, avoid wearing tampons entirely.) Wear sanitary pads at night instead of tampons. Clean your hands thoroughly when changing diaphragms and menstrual cups. Plus, keep all wounds clean and change bandages frequently. [5]