I‘ve just read that in the meantime she has had her second leg amputated because of constant pain. What an amazing human being. So strong and real. Keep going!
I was just wondering about that because I saw another video with same person's name but both legs gone... So crazy that this happens and no one knows about it.
weisabunny yeah wait till menopause I have menopause dysphoria disorder and zero help I have been so sick. But my husband had pills in five minutes for ED. Really let us suffer while they take a pill to torture us?
I got tss in 2015. Although my outcome is no where near devastating as this ladies it was still bad. I also only had the tampon in for a few short minutes before the sickness came. I was turned away at the er my first trip. My second trip they took me serious. My resting heart rate (after they knocked me out because I was hallucinating) was 190. I was on the verge of a heart attack. I was 26. The doctors suggested a hysterectomy but I refused. I spent a week in the hospital. During this time I also had a thyroid storm. Between the two my heart was forever damaged. My liver and spleen are still swollen for no apparent reason and my wbc is still high. I’ve been told if I ever use a tampon again it will most likely kill me. A simple every day cold makes me feel like I have the flu. My immune system is completely messed up. Every 3 months I’m in the doctor getting blood work done and even a sniffle I have to see the doctor immediately to get blood work just to be safe. I have 4 young kids all born before this happened and I fight daily just to live another day another year for them. TSS is no joke.
Just curious if it wasn’t from being left in too long did the doctors think that you already had some strep infection that was exacerbated by using tampons or that the bacteria was already on the tampon that you used?
Marie Wolf maybe you women should learn how to read a fuckin box instead of blaming a man for having to point it out to you. I also knew about that and taught both my daughters about it.
It should be common sense, really. Menstrual fluid is dead blood and tissue so its antibodies are also dead, this makes it a prime source of nutrients for bacteria, on top of that the inside of a human body is the perfect temperature for bacterial growth. Girls shouldn't give up on tampons as they are the only option for some people, they should just change them regularly instead of keeping them in longer to save money or because the have none left to replace the one they are using. Your health is more important than a few dollars.
@@bevcrusher4177 That’s ridiculous. Girls are just starting periods early in general. I was 11. Not obese, I’m 47 and still not obese. My daughter, mother and sister were the same. Genetics not obesity. This type of misinformation can be very damaging!
Panda Power there has literally only been ONE case of TSS with a menstrual cup and that was due to the cup having a defect and cutting a small tear into the vagina. They are still the best alternative for feminine hygiene, just get the medical grade silicone kind from a reputable brand
I'm a nurse and I'm 23. My heart is so heavy for this woman. I cried watching this. Words can never make it better. Bless you and your family. You are so strong and beautiful.
That is so freaking scary. I’ve always been into pads, like the bulky super ones because that’s the only thing that makes me feel “protected”. I never minded them and I definitely don’t mind them now. I rather not put myself at risk. There has yet to be any changes to how our tampons are made. Who knows what the hell they’re truly putting in there... She is incredibly brave. I just cannot fathom having to go through that. It just blows my mind.
same! it's interesting i used to exclusively use tampons in high school (though i was paranoid about changing them like every two hours lol) and now as a 23 year old i exclusively use pads. tampons just freak me out now, for so many reasons! i totally get menstrual cups, but pads are like the closest to free bleeding which i think is natural and amazing.
same, I wear pads bc i have very heavy periods but when I want to go swimming I wear tampons. I'm not against a cup but I have vaginismus so sex can be painful and I imagine that the cup would be painful for me though I can't be sure. I'm going on birth control pills soon though and I am going to start a continuous regimen so I never get a period in a few months.
You can get tss not only with tampons...i personally can't wear pads because i hate the wet feeling down there..with a tampon in i can do anything and it feels just like when i don't have periodx
Wow this is powerful stuff. I'm a 57 year old guy who had never heard of TSS before I watched this. I have never given a fuck about myself before, I have only seen a doctor once in 17 years and that was only because I was rushed to hospital, because my body was being poisoned by fluid from a wound I had. I have had illnesses, I have twisted fingers that were broken and I never got them put right. I have scars were I should have had stitches and never bothered. Watching this brought tears to my eyes and when she said ' my legs were my life', really made me think. I am gonna start looking after myself, definitely. I wish her all the best for the future, I hope everything works out for her.
It makes me so sad that you keep on pointing out how nasty of a person you were before the tragedy.. as if you wanted to find a reason for what happened to you. Sweet Lauren, what happened to you is not a punishment, nobody is perfect and your TSS did not happen because you deserved it! I don't know you but I am sure that you are a wonderful person and at the same time a shitty person, because we all are.. this only makes you more real, more human. Believe me, the world is a better place with you in it, don't you ever think the opposite. I am sending a big hug.. love, Erica
Well said. That’s why always need to try and be nice and humble to everyone regardless of your life circumstances, cause you never know what’s around the corner. Life is a very very unpredictable thing you know.
Such an inspirational story. I am a breast cancer survivor and I totally related to what you were saying about the "yes and no" mark on your leg. Mine was on my breast. My left breast said "yes" my right breast said "no". I remember looking down at that and being so devastated and thinking when I woke up was I going to feel less like a woman. I was only 37 years old at the time that I got breast cancer so my body image was still pretty important to me. Then chemo.. ugh... before chemo I had hair all the way down to my ass. It was long, thick and beautiful. It was my trademark. Everyone knew me by "the girl with the long beautiful hair." People would stop me in the street just to compliment my hair. And now chemo was going to take it away. It sounds stupid, but I think I was more devastated about losing my hair then I was about losing my breast. LOL. Ridiculous I know, because hair grows back. I could never grow a breast back... but eventually I got over that too. It sucks that I got breast cancer, but it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. It changed my life. It's made me a better person. I've met so many wonderful people through my cancer journey that I probably never would have met if I didn't get breast cancer. I've learned to appreciate life love and my friends and family much, much more. I feel more blessed then I ever have in my life.. Thank you for sharing your story Lauren..
TAMMY DELAROSA honestly I agree the story was inspiring. I’m sorry that Brest cancer took those things that made you feel normal was taken away from you. I hope you are doing much better! God bless you!
TAMMY DELAROSA bless you Tammy! I follow your instagram and first found you through Talia - God bless her. I was surprised to come across your comment on this video. Thankyou for being so courageous and inspirational sis
I had TSS in 1982 during my first period after having my first child. My blood pressure dropped, I became very ill very quickly, my husband drove me to the hospital with an extremely high fever, blacking out, spent days in the hospital on massive doses of antibiotics!! My brain has never been the same but I feel lucky to have lived, I didn't lose any of my limbs and I recovered and went on to have 2 more children and a wonderful life. It makes me so angry that young girls and women are still suffering from TSS yet it's never talked about. God bless this beautiful young woman. ❤
So how long did u have the tampon in? I have always heard how it was so rare and as a result of wearing it more than 8 hours, but i heard her say it can happen after just 5 minutes?!?
Not again, but still the effects of the first time. “I have a golden leg that I am completely proud of, but my left foot has an open ulcer, no heel and no toes. Over the years, my body has produced a lot of calcium, which causes my bones to grow on that foot," she wrote. "Basically, my brain is telling my toes to grow back - and it got to the point where I need surgery to shave the bones down because it becomes too unbearable to walk.”
She was so brave and beautiful.. i have heard multiple stories at this point on the same topic and it makes me so angry that still not everyone is aware of this GIGANTIC problem and how tapon companies are still fine..... I pray that you always find yourself empowering and beautiful hun, because you absolutely are ♥️
me neither, I tried once when I was like 11 and it was horrifying. Luckily I only get stuck with 1 or 2 days of actual heavy flow so I just say fuck it every time and get by with toilet paper lol
ysmbl "get by with toilet paper" WHY?!?! how old are you. plus im doubthing that your flow.is actually heavy. if you can get by with toilet paper. plus toilet paper up your vagina can cause TSS and infections easier since tampons are sterile. and toilet paper is also with a bunch of chemicals. DONT USE TOILET PAPER. and if it was hell, you did it wrong. you shouldn't feel it. you should be calm when putting it in. relaxed. start small. and get it in at the right angle
ysmbl Oh girl nooo, no no no no...please do NOT use toilet paper! Dutchik is right, you can get infection/a ton of hygiene issues from toilet paper, not to mention you have zero protection against the odor and absorbency issues with toilet paper. I hate tampons too, but please just use pads instead! Your personal health depends on it.
selena mccrimmon not true at all! You're more likely to get TSS from a tampon left in too long but it's not the only way, women whom have just given birth are a risk, those who are using a tampon too absorbent for their flow, those who use menstural sponges, cervical caps. Educate yourself to make sure you're aware of the causes and risks 😀😀
Wow I love how she said that superficial people value themselves based off of their company. And you can tell that the leg amputation really took a toll on her compared to how she talks so calmly about everything else. Honestly she is so strong and admirable, I'm glad I watched this video
Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry that you had to go through this. After watching this I’m never going to use a tampon again. You’ve made a massive difference and undoubtedly saved many women’s lives. You’re still very, very beautiful x
I am in my late twenties and I still remember being pressured to use tampons before I had even gotten my period. Pressured by my female peers mostly. I never felt comfortable with the process or the product itself, and when I read the TSS warning label on the box and the little booklet inside I was like okay no this is not for me. And why is this the norm? Thank you for bringing your voice into this conversation Lauren.
Thank you dear girl for this powerful stoey. Thank you for being honest about our priorities before a tragedy and who we became after difficult choices. Thank you. You are incredible.
I can’t even imagine the psychological trauma of that. The physical trauma is excruciating enough but grappling with the psychological trauma would be an absolute living hell. What an incredibly courageous woman.
Wow that was an incredible story ! Thank you for sharing. I knew a bit about TSS but I thought it was only caused by leaving a tampon in for way too long. I am definitely throwing all mines out now and get myself a menstrual cup.
Marie Proust "there has been one confirmed case of TSS from someone who was using one. While it wasn’t directly caused by the cup (the woman caused a small abrasion in her vagina when she was inserting her cup, which led to infection)"
cups still cause TSS, TSS is caused by tears so anything that could cause a tiny abrasion like a tampon or cup can cause it, the bacteria in the vagina getting in those tears can rarely cause TSS from either tampons, cups, anything
I don't use tampons that often so I usually have them laying around as singles in my bag or purse as backups, without the warning labels. While I've read the warning labels a few times, never has it occurred to me that TSS could result in something as serious as this. Will definitely be paying more attention to how my body reacts when I use tampons in the future.
Erika Lindberg having tampons laying around single in your bag- it's dangerous as dirt, bacteria etc can get under the wrapper and that you can get tss
"i ran out of tampons" sounds like she stretched her supply. mostly fake news, nature still almost kills people all the time from minor things, you just never hear about it.
my mom once told me to wear a tampon to bed. I fully knew about TSS. I refused to wear it to bed, I was terrified lmao. I'd rather risk bleeding on my sheets than dying.
I never use those things.. I mean they are so uncomfortable, I love the way they say oh push it till it’s comfortable it never fucking is lmao..use a pad who needs the pressure.. cause if it’s a case of forgetting you could die why risk it!! A pad is easier to remember to change cause you see it you feel like shit!! So yes you change the shit...
Apparently, a toxic shock is more at risk with cup. It's not the tampon but the timing, more then 6 hours, and with cup, the problem it's the oxygen able to feed the bacteria (staph)
danaehhe This is not true at all. Please do not spread misinformation. The truth is, anytime you put a foreign object in your body you put yourself at risk for infection. However, the risk of infection is significantly lower with menstrual cups in comparison to tampons, as menstrual cups are typically made of medical grade silicone that does not contain the harsh chemicals that tampons harbor. You just have to be mindful to clean your hands upon inserting and removing the cup, and to wash the cup thoroughly after removal to prevent getting infections associated with bad bacteria growth.
Wow, I’ve been using cloth pads for years and love them. It might sound weird but it shouldn’t be viewed as nasty. Being a woman is beautiful and using cloth pads is great for the earth and our bodies.
Incredible story, somehow I got here by mistake. I'm glad I watched the whole interview. I had no idea about T.S.S. She's very brave, her story brought tears to my eyes.
I had no idea this was possible. Absolutely frightening. Thank you so very much for sharing this story ❤ 🙏🏽 I am so grateful that you were brave enough to share this because most of us have no idea. You so are beautiful. I love you and I am wishing you beautiful health and a bright future 🌻🌈
"There's no warning on the commercials that warn about TSS". No, there isn't but there ARE warnings all over the box and a huge pamphlet warning about TSS inside the actual product. I have used SO many different brands of tampons and every box has come with a pamphlet about TSS.
Jenn Ryan YES! Everyone expecting everything to be spoon fed to them, yes there is a massive amount of information including the signs and symptoms of tss, the risks etc. Menstrual cups carry the same risk. It’s tragic that she and others went through this but it’s a known risk.
Its like people who don't read the instruction leaflets in a box of tablets and then get mad because theyre getting side effects even though everything is in the leaflet
I know right?! I'm seeing so many comments about how "there is no aware about this, it's so fucked up!" It's not like they didn't learn about this in sex ed, and even if they didn't, the boxed of tampons are plastered in labels about TSS
A cursory glance at one of the pamphlets in required by LAW in every carton of every brand of tampons available in the US, and they are in cartons every other country I’ve ever purchased them also.
I feel like we need more details. TSS is caused by bacteria usually from wearing a tampon too long if it happened immediately that means either the tampon she used was old or her hands or something had bacteria and that got in there. I know it’s personal but if they want to be an informative story I’m gonna need full details to low what to do as precaution
Menstrual TSS is caused by a toxin (TSST-1) produced by some strains of Staph aureus. Staph is normal skin flora, and it can easily make its way into the vaginal tract. The vagina isn't the optimal environment for Staph aureus though, so typically it doesn't proliferate there (though some women may have asymptomatic colonization) and doesn't cause any problems, and it only produces TSST-1 under certain conditions. It's actually not entirely understood why tampons are a risk factor for TSS, but it's thought that by absorbing moisture, tampons may create a more suitable environment for Staph to grow and produce TSST-1. Higher absorbancy increases the risk, so use the minimum absorbancy necessary.
My best friend almost died from this and she only had it in for about three hours and a woman nearby me lost both her legs from this TSS is very real :(
Meagan David i sleep with a tampon in because my periods are way too heavy for just a pad. and i use a menstrual cup during the day, but at night it always leaked. what is an alternative? i really don't know what to do and this story scared the hell out of me
Wow! Just went in the bathroom and Took out my Tampon...Seriously considering not using them anymore! Thanks...peace and blessings going forward! Glad to hear the young lady has become a more present person in life! Now she seems like she has turned her present situation into a gift by getting the message out a possibily helping others...
Wow. Just wow. Thank you for sharing your story, for raising awareness, and for making us all think again about the products we use in, and on our body. You definitely do have a voice and a purpose.
Holy cow... I did not know this was what toxic shock syndrome did. This girl is so fricking strong I could never even touch that level of determination and strength that she just showed us she has. Very inspirational and informational. :) Thanks for being brave enough to be vulnerable and for bearing your soul to strangers so that they can be informed.
There’s a lot of details missing needed to inform and protect people. Did she have the tampon in for days? She felt the symptoms right away but she kept the tampon in?
And besides, considering TSS is so rare, I HIGHLY doubt that when she started feeling flu symptoms that she immediately assumed TSS. I doubt anybody would.
Ok idk if this is the same model, but I remember reading her story awhile ago. She went to a party (with a tampon in) started to feel sick so she went home and fell asleep. She fell so ill that her mother called the police to do a welfare check bc no one could get ahold of her, she was passed out sick and feverish for days. It is unfortunate, but yeah she left her tampon in when she went to bed and then got sick.
Loved that ! So brave ! I’m struggling every single day since I recovered from my anorexia , just to look down and my body be so different you know ? Like one minute it’s pride like yeah I got better when I was told I’d die , I fought and I’m damn proud of my body but then the next is like I feel so vile and fat and just worthless . Keep inspiring 💖
I'm a 16 year old girl and I use a menstrual cup. In my experience, every girl of my age I have spoken to about menstrual cups have felt they were weird or intimidating. The educational system is not doing enough to tell girls and women about things like tss or just basic period products. If my mum hadn't raised my with such a safe and open environment to talk about things like periods I would hardly know anything and that's scary because not a lot of women have had the same environment as me and have no idea!
Skims24 the reason many younger girls like yourself feels intimidated about diva cups is because many gals dont wanna use something like a tampon or diva cup when they’re still virgins
in the summer of 2015 The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology released an article confirming the first medically recognized case of TSS tied to menstrual cup use. The patient was a 37-year-old woman who had used a DivaCup 10 days prior to presenting with TSS.
hb just wearing cloth pads? environmentally friendly and for girls who feel uncomfortable with the insertion process it's much easier for them, with no chance of tss.
Oh sweetheart. You have the kindest soul. What an inspiration. Your story does not pertain just to the amputation. Your strength applies to all the horrific situations we all bare to cross. You are beautiful.
I cried. I never cry. I have an elderly friend who is going to lose her right leg to diabetes this week. She was never a super model. Just a lovely person with a beautiful personality. Our bodies are not what we really are. Our real beauty lies a lot deeper within.
I’m 15 and use tampons. I know of TSS but it’s kinda shocking to think her symptoms came immediately. Now I’m debating whether I should continue using tampons.
I agree with the comment at the end. Lauren is beautiful and her willingness to present her true story in such a raw, honest way with out holding any punches was very courageous.
I just bought 2 menstrual cups because of this video and for the environment. Thank you Lauren for sharing your story. Every woman needs to hear this. x
Period cups are awesome. Im so sorry what happened to you. Im 23 right now and just laying in bed looking at my legs beeing grateful. Thank you so much for sharing.
thank you so so much for including disabled people in these videos so many people forget that disabled people really struggle to recieve honest representation on top of ableism and inaccessibility and so much else.
isn't it really gross when you have to clean it in a public bathroom or at school or something? i would love to try them, but I can't just go up to the sink and wash it because there are other people :/
Really odd, a few periods ago, I changed tampons. About 30 minutes after I started to feel really off, I dropped my kids off at school and went to the gym. I almost went home, but I figured even if I just sit on the stationery bike, at least I did something... anyway, I got to the gym, put my kids in the care room, and put my bag down, I was feeling even worse. I went and changed my tampon again (because I usually do before a workout on heavy days), and about 10 minutes later I felt normal. Was so weird. I did wonder if there was a problem with that tampon.
My husband is about to under go amputation early next year due to Osteomylitis, I cried with you on watching your story. My husband is 56, he is hoping for a miracle, but the infection is in the bone and it wont get better. You , lovely lady are one amazing woman - Good luck in all you do Lauren. God Bless. Lesley xxxxP>S Im going to ask him to watch your story xx
I was always told to not leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours or else I might get toxic shock syndrome. So I’m confused about why she started feeling the symptoms very soon after putting the tampon in.
I've been using Tampax since I was 14 so it's been 39 years for me. I never leave them in longer than 4-6 hours except when I'm sleeping or forget it's there. I don't think they asked if she had possibly left one in too long.
She said she reacted almost instantly. TSS is caused by tears in the vaginal wall so anything that could cause a tiny abrasion (like a tampon or cup) can cause it, and it's bacteria getting in those tears that causes TSS. The risk is increased if you leave your tampon in too long but it's not necessary for this to happen.
Grace D there's been a few times where I have forgotten to take it out, more than 8 hours probably about 16 usually around the end of my period when i forget about it due to less bleeding, and it always started come out on its own just sliding halfway out when I went pee, never failed , I don't understand it being able to be in so at a time without it coming out on it's own.
@@Kate-ev5jc if you are sexually active you are always going to have micro tears in your vaginal wall. I think it's more the pH imbalance caused by loss of vaginal fluid. If she was immunocompromised then she would be more susceptible to infection. I think there had to have been more to the story. Either she left it in too long or she had an inappropriate tampon absorption. Women's flow change throughout their life. Maybe she didn't adjust their tampons accordingly. She could have just had a tampon that was too absorptive. All I have are theories, but this isn't detailed enough. There is a pitch fork and flames undertone here that is emotionally driven. understandably so in her case but the interviewer should have accounted for this.
Whoa every time I hear about these stories it’s always because women leave in the tampon for days at a time. This one girl left it in because she forgot about it and it was black when they got it out. This is the first story I heard where a tampon does this immediately. Thank you for this! I will always and I’ve always used pads cuz this is crazy and real.
Jacky Rose She put it in and immediately started having symptoms. She didn't think to take it out- and ended up passing out. This led her to be unconscious for a few days- causing her condition to worsen because the tampon was not removed during that time
Lara M Don’t fret too much. You don’t get TSS from inserting the tampon, it’s when the bacteria gets into your blood stream. The bacteria was already colonizing, and it is likely it got into her blood stream through a small tear which can easily happen during removal and insertion of a dry tampon.
It was probably from the tampon she had in before she changed. She never said how long it was in for, but to get TSS they have to be in for a while. I don't know why she thinks it was the second one she put in. It just happened that she started having the symptoms when she changed tampons.
I like this channel because you can empathize with both the suffering and the strength of all participants and get to be a little positive in your own way.
This woman is amazing, no words to describe how incredible she is. It highlights the faults in our society, how we see disability as a loss instead of adapting our ableist world to be more accommodating of the millions who live with disability, how we see young, thin, women as what we are supposed to aspire to, how role models are more important than fashion models. Bravo Lauren, you are the woman I aspire to be.
OMG, this is so heartbreaking!! At 41yrs of age, this is the very first time in my life I've EVER heard of "toxic shock syndrome", and I'm absolutely mortified that I've been taking this kind of chance with my health, life and limbs by wearing tampons... OMG!!! #ImDone!!!
If you use them correctly you won’t get TSS. It is a very scary sad story, I cannot imagine. But if you use the all natural cotton tampons and change them every 4 hours, it is very safe.
I'm very surprised at the number of women saying they have never heard of TSS before. I read about it in pretty much every book there was about puberty long before I started using tampons, and there are warning labels in every box of tampons explaining it. It's important to change tampons regularly. I know they say there's a limit on the amount of hours you should leave one in but I don't remember the exact number. Don't use super absorbent tampons if your flow isn't heavy, don't use scented tampons, and DO NOT wear them to bed. I'm a dancer, so it's kinda hard to avoid using them and prefer to not walk around feeling like I wet my pants, but if I'm not dancing or swimming, I'll use liners to be safe. Listen to your body. If you start feeling sick while wearing a tampon, take it out immediately, even if it didn't cause the sickness, you can't be too safe. Women need more education about this!
I know this is a year old but I'm torn about tampons, i have swimming lessons and heavy flow so i bought the super absorbent i only plan using them 1hr and then change to pads bc i really don't want to miss my lessons just wanna know your opinion, sorry
@@johnnycash578 yes really. The complications from the TSS led to excruciating pain in her remaining leg so she had it removed. According to her, “Losing the first leg gave me life, but losing my second leg gave me freedom”...
I have never felt the urge to comment on any youtube video but this story and the message it conveys is so powerful, it offers a fresh perspective of our viewing on our personal circumstances in life. So thank you for this.
you can run a marathon. they have prosthetics designed for that. granted, the commitment to training will reflect the severity of your condition. I've ran 8 so far and have scene it done 3 or 4 times.
A friend of mine once also had flu symptoms for a few days and at some point he just passed out while doing nothing in the kitchen. His gf called the ambulance... It turned out to be a blood infection from a bad tooth. He didn't feel pain, he was just surprised by that shit. He was basically fine, but he had tubes in his jaw for rinsing, that took a week in the hospital. Again, US citizens: this crap just happens. Healthcare for all is important.
cups still cause TSS, TSS is caused by tears so anything that could cause a tiny abrasion like a tampon or cup can cause it, the bacteria in the vagina getting in those tears can rarely cause TSS from either tampons, cups, anything
That’s why I use pads. I got super sick one time after using a tampon and took it right out. We are always told that TSS only happens when you wear a tampon too long. I’m so thankful that this beautiful, strong woman is shedding light on an important issue!
I used my first tampon in 2018 at 29, it caused a bacterial infection that hurt so badly that I could barely stand up straight. I had no idea that was even possible, we should be more educated about everything that goes into these products and the problems they can cause. Thank you for sharing.
so did she have the tampon in for longer than 8 hours bc she said immediately like how does that happen? genuinely curious, not trying to troll. Amazing and inspiring by the way!
thank you for sharing your tremendous and heroic story of surviving such horrible illness."out of bad comes good!!! you have blossomed into an incredible human being. "Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny." CS Lewis
Wow Lauren, thank you for that. I think it's every young person or even old person's fear can bw losing that part of themselves physically. It's always been one of mine. You, showed what it's like to overcome that fear. You, are an inspiration to many people out there. Nobody has a perfect life. And what you said at the beginning of this was so powerful. It is so easy to get caught up in the fake crap until something truly awful happens to you and then you have to really find yourself. I love people who have found themselves in hard stuff. They are the salt of the earth and you, my friend, are the salt of the earth.
I think she’s aware that there’s warnings on tampons, but she’s trying to advocate for greater awareness of how aggressive TSS can be. From the warning labels, most people may believe that TSS happens only after wearing a tampon for too long, but as we can see from Lauren’s case that’s not true. The misinformation that her case is a fluke is dangerous and puts women who experience early signs of TSS at a greater risk. This is information every woman using tampons should have readily and easily available and I think what Lauren advocates for is important and could save lives.
There is a warning about not leaving it in for eight hours, but I think she's campaigning for tampon companies to change the materials they use to ones that won't make a breeding ground for TSS. I've read cotton is fine, but rayon and acrylic will drastically increase your chances of getting TSS from a tampon.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I‘ve just read that in the meantime she has had her second leg amputated because of constant pain. What an amazing human being. So strong and real. Keep going!
I was just wondering about that because I saw another video with same person's name but both legs gone... So crazy that this happens and no one knows about it.
ruclips.net/video/uAVAt5FV2uc/видео.html
My ❤️ is broken for Lauren
maandverband gebruiken 👍
tampons gebruiken 👎🏿
"there's more research done on coffee filters then women's hygiene"
weisabunny yeah wait till menopause I have menopause dysphoria disorder and zero help I have been so sick. But my husband had pills in five minutes for ED. Really let us suffer while they take a pill to torture us?
@Arthur Frayn Shut up, Arthur.
@@og6920 You talking to yourself?
It’s dangeres and they don’t tell you it happened to me!
Powerful.
I got tss in 2015. Although my outcome is no where near devastating as this ladies it was still bad. I also only had the tampon in for a few short minutes before the sickness came. I was turned away at the er my first trip. My second trip they took me serious. My resting heart rate (after they knocked me out because I was hallucinating) was 190. I was on the verge of a heart attack. I was 26. The doctors suggested a hysterectomy but I refused. I spent a week in the hospital. During this time I also had a thyroid storm. Between the two my heart was forever damaged. My liver and spleen are still swollen for no apparent reason and my wbc is still high. I’ve been told if I ever use a tampon again it will most likely kill me. A simple every day cold makes me feel like I have the flu. My immune system is completely messed up. Every 3 months I’m in the doctor getting blood work done and even a sniffle I have to see the doctor immediately to get blood work just to be safe. I have 4 young kids all born before this happened and I fight daily just to live another day another year for them. TSS is no joke.
Just curious if it wasn’t from being left in too long did the doctors think that you already had some strep infection that was exacerbated by using tampons or that the bacteria was already on the tampon that you used?
What were the long-term complications you had from your heart rate being so high?
Thank you for sharing I had no idea this was possible I love you and wishing you a 180 recovery ❤ bless you
This happened to my best friend. She survived. I'm so glad she is still in my life.
@@sandife4nandes365 me too🌻✊🏼
She lost her other leg in early 2018. She's right that more info must be disclosed. Did you knoe that TSS can be a long-term illness? I didn't.
Did she?how?
@NPC #303 Thank god we have Chad in the chat to let us women know about how fucking tampons work. Do you have 12 up your ass right now sir?
Marie Wolf HAHA! I LOVE YOUR COMMENT. 😄😄
Marie Wolf maybe you women should learn how to read a fuckin box instead of blaming a man for having to point it out to you. I also knew about that and taught both my daughters about it.
It should be common sense, really. Menstrual fluid is dead blood and tissue so its antibodies are also dead, this makes it a prime source of nutrients for bacteria, on top of that the inside of a human body is the perfect temperature for bacterial growth. Girls shouldn't give up on tampons as they are the only option for some people, they should just change them regularly instead of keeping them in longer to save money or because the have none left to replace the one they are using. Your health is more important than a few dollars.
They should talk about this in health class in elementary schools, since most girls get their first period in elementary school.
We need better sex ed in general.
Girls have very few years where they can just be children... it’s so sad!
YUUUUUP guess we don’t care about kids in this country too much do we ? Just money and exploiting them
Girls in good health shouldn't be menstruating in elementary school. Early menstruation is associated with obesity, lack of exercise, and a bad diet.
@@bevcrusher4177 That’s ridiculous. Girls are just starting periods early in general. I was 11. Not obese, I’m 47 and still not obese. My daughter, mother and sister were the same. Genetics not obesity. This type of misinformation can be very damaging!
*takes off my tampon and never uses them again* this was powerful, thank u
Margie Garcia use menstral cups instead
cups still cause TSS
Panda Power there has literally only been ONE case of TSS with a menstrual cup and that was due to the cup having a defect and cutting a small tear into the vagina. They are still the best alternative for feminine hygiene, just get the medical grade silicone kind from a reputable brand
Meghan M What reputable brand/brands do you recommend?
TSS is cause by leaving tampons in for days. Weeks. K? So don’t leave your tampon in for over 12 hours.
I'm a nurse and I'm 23. My heart is so heavy for this woman. I cried watching this. Words can never make it better. Bless you and your family. You are so strong and beautiful.
That is so freaking scary. I’ve always been into pads, like the bulky super ones because that’s the only thing that makes me feel “protected”. I never minded them and I definitely don’t mind them now. I rather not put myself at risk. There has yet to be any changes to how our tampons are made. Who knows what the hell they’re truly putting in there... She is incredibly brave. I just cannot fathom having to go through that. It just blows my mind.
same! it's interesting i used to exclusively use tampons in high school (though i was paranoid about changing them like every two hours lol) and now as a 23 year old i exclusively use pads. tampons just freak me out now, for so many reasons! i totally get menstrual cups, but pads are like the closest to free bleeding which i think is natural and amazing.
I swapped to a menstrual cup. Comfortable and no odor.
same, I wear pads bc i have very heavy periods but when I want to go swimming I wear tampons. I'm not against a cup but I have vaginismus so sex can be painful and I imagine that the cup would be painful for me though I can't be sure. I'm going on birth control pills soon though and I am going to start a continuous regimen so I never get a period in a few months.
SYLVIA RAJ Same here!
You can get tss not only with tampons...i personally can't wear pads because i hate the wet feeling down there..with a tampon in i can do anything and it feels just like when i don't have periodx
Wow this is powerful stuff. I'm a 57 year old guy who had never heard of TSS before I watched this. I have never given a fuck about myself before, I have only seen a doctor once in 17 years and that was only because I was rushed to hospital, because my body was being poisoned by fluid from a wound I had. I have had illnesses, I have twisted fingers that were broken and I never got them put right. I have scars were I should have had stitches and never bothered. Watching this brought tears to my eyes and when she said ' my legs were my life', really made me think. I am gonna start looking after myself, definitely. I wish her all the best for the future, I hope everything works out for her.
It makes me so sad that you keep on pointing out how nasty of a person you were before the tragedy.. as if you wanted to find a reason for what happened to you. Sweet Lauren, what happened to you is not a punishment, nobody is perfect and your TSS did not happen because you deserved it! I don't know you but I am sure that you are a wonderful person and at the same time a shitty person, because we all are.. this only makes you more real, more human. Believe me, the world is a better place with you in it, don't you ever think the opposite.
I am sending a big hug.. love,
Erica
This is such an awesome and underrated comment. You seem like an amazing person, very observant and kind. :)
I think ist helps her dealing with it. with your approach she might drown in self pity
Well said. That’s why always need to try and be nice and humble to everyone regardless of your life circumstances, cause you never know what’s around the corner. Life is a very very unpredictable thing you know.
@@fetterkater7484 You need to think through your thoughts a bit...
Can we be best friends !!!!
Such an inspirational story. I am a breast cancer survivor and I totally related to what you were saying about the "yes and no" mark on your leg. Mine was on my breast. My left breast said "yes" my right breast said "no". I remember looking down at that and being so devastated and thinking when I woke up was I going to feel less like a woman. I was only 37 years old at the time that I got breast cancer so my body image was still pretty important to me. Then chemo.. ugh... before chemo I had hair all the way down to my ass. It was long, thick and beautiful. It was my trademark. Everyone knew me by "the girl with the long beautiful hair." People would stop me in the street just to compliment my hair. And now chemo was going to take it away. It sounds stupid, but I think I was more devastated about losing my hair then I was about losing my breast. LOL. Ridiculous I know, because hair grows back. I could never grow a breast back... but eventually I got over that too. It sucks that I got breast cancer, but it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. It changed my life. It's made me a better person. I've met so many wonderful people through my cancer journey that I probably never would have met if I didn't get breast cancer. I've learned to appreciate life love and my friends and family much, much more. I feel more blessed then I ever have in my life..
Thank you for sharing your story Lauren..
TAMMY DELAROSA honestly I agree the story was inspiring. I’m sorry that Brest cancer took those things that made you feel normal was taken away from you. I hope you are doing much better! God bless you!
Heather Jolibois Thank you Heather for your kind words. I'm doing awesome. I'm a 18 year survivor now.
TAMMY DELAROSA I’m so happy for you!!!
TAMMY DELAROSA god bless you sweetie! Your story sounds inspirational as well.
TAMMY DELAROSA bless you Tammy! I follow your instagram and first found you through Talia - God bless her. I was surprised to come across your comment on this video. Thankyou for being so courageous and inspirational sis
I've never heard of TSS before. Thank you for sharing your story. You're such an inspiration for all of us.
Mathilde Escusetoi ayyeee Hiatus Kaiyote
i am surprised you never heard of it before. glad you came across this video then.
Interesting. But it's written on box of tampons. ;)
Moon Gloss not where I live - we just learn about it in school.
Hiatus kaiyote ❤️❤️❤️
She is so beautiful and strong headed. Such a wonderful human being.
I had TSS in 1982 during my first period after having my first child. My blood pressure dropped, I became very ill very quickly, my husband drove me to the hospital with an extremely high fever, blacking out, spent days in the hospital on massive doses of antibiotics!! My brain has never been the same but I feel lucky to have lived, I didn't lose any of my limbs and I recovered and went on to have 2 more children and a wonderful life. It makes me so angry that young girls and women are still suffering from TSS yet it's never talked about. God bless this beautiful young woman. ❤
So how long did u have the tampon in? I have always heard how it was so rare and as a result of wearing it more than 8 hours, but i heard her say it can happen after just 5 minutes?!?
Just as an update- Lauren had her left leg amputated in January of 2018.
She’s doing so well and she is unbelievably beautiful and inspiring!!!
why? 😢
Kinsey Johnston this was filmed in 2017 ??
Not again, but still the effects of the first time.
“I have a golden leg that I am completely proud of, but my left foot has an open ulcer, no heel and no toes. Over the years, my body has produced a lot of calcium, which causes my bones to grow on that foot," she wrote. "Basically, my brain is telling my toes to grow back - and it got to the point where I need surgery to shave the bones down because it becomes too unbearable to walk.”
She was so brave and beautiful.. i have heard multiple stories at this point on the same topic and it makes me so angry that still not everyone is aware of this GIGANTIC problem and how tapon companies are still fine..... I pray that you always find yourself empowering and beautiful hun, because you absolutely are ♥️
in all the years ive had my period, i have never used tampons and i swear to god i never will
Alessandra Santamaría you can only get it from leaving it in to long
me neither, I tried once when I was like 11 and it was horrifying. Luckily I only get stuck with 1 or 2 days of actual heavy flow so I just say fuck it every time and get by with toilet paper lol
ysmbl "get by with toilet paper" WHY?!?!
how old are you.
plus im doubthing that your flow.is actually heavy. if you can get by with toilet paper.
plus toilet paper up your vagina can cause TSS and infections easier since tampons are sterile. and toilet paper is also with a bunch of chemicals.
DONT USE TOILET PAPER.
and if it was hell, you did it wrong. you shouldn't feel it. you should be calm when putting it in. relaxed. start small. and get it in at the right angle
ysmbl Oh girl nooo, no no no no...please do NOT use toilet paper! Dutchik is right, you can get infection/a ton of hygiene issues from toilet paper, not to mention you have zero protection against the odor and absorbency issues with toilet paper. I hate tampons too, but please just use pads instead! Your personal health depends on it.
selena mccrimmon not true at all! You're more likely to get TSS from a tampon left in too long but it's not the only way, women whom have just given birth are a risk, those who are using a tampon too absorbent for their flow, those who use menstural sponges, cervical caps. Educate yourself to make sure you're aware of the causes and risks 😀😀
This made me cry, these sort of stories need to be told more and she told her story so well.Lots of love to you Lauren
Wow I love how she said that superficial people value themselves based off of their company. And you can tell that the leg amputation really took a toll on her compared to how she talks so calmly about everything else. Honestly she is so strong and admirable, I'm glad I watched this video
Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry that you had to go through this. After watching this I’m never going to use a tampon again. You’ve made a massive difference and undoubtedly saved many women’s lives. You’re still very, very beautiful x
I am in my late twenties and I still remember being pressured to use tampons before I had even gotten my period. Pressured by my female peers mostly. I never felt comfortable with the process or the product itself, and when I read the TSS warning label on the box and the little booklet inside I was like okay no this is not for me. And why is this the norm? Thank you for bringing your voice into this conversation Lauren.
Thank you dear girl for this powerful stoey. Thank you for being honest about our priorities before a tragedy and who we became after difficult choices. Thank you. You are incredible.
I have so much respect for her. She's so incredibly strong. So proud of her.
And now she lost the other leg 🦵 bless her heart and soul
Here is my story about the toxic shock syndrome... This is very serious.
ruclips.net/video/IGQ-ut8cmDQ/видео.html
So I don't understand how she lost the 2nd leg?
@@pannochka11 i was wondering the same
@@pannochka11 in her Vogue video she said she eventually made the decision to amputate the second leg because it was badly damaged by the TSS as well
@@gemmalouise6631 Thanks for clearing that up. Didn't read vogue article.
I can’t even imagine the psychological trauma of that. The physical trauma is excruciating enough but grappling with the psychological trauma would be an absolute living hell. What an incredibly courageous woman.
Wow, that was incredibly moving. Out of all of these interview this one is by far my favorite. She is such an amazing role model and a fighter. Goals.
Wow that was an incredible story ! Thank you for sharing. I knew a bit about TSS but I thought it was only caused by leaving a tampon in for way too long. I am definitely throwing all mines out now and get myself a menstrual cup.
You can still get TSS with a cup
Marie Proust "there has been one confirmed case of TSS from someone who was using one. While it wasn’t directly caused by the cup (the woman caused a small abrasion in her vagina when she was inserting her cup, which led to infection)"
One is still quite a lot given that they are not even that popular.
cups still cause TSS, TSS is caused by tears so anything that could cause a tiny abrasion like a tampon or cup can cause it, the bacteria in the vagina getting in those tears can rarely cause TSS from either tampons, cups, anything
Meli What about a pad?
I don't use tampons that often so I usually have them laying around as singles in my bag or purse as backups, without the warning labels. While I've read the warning labels a few times, never has it occurred to me that TSS could result in something as serious as this. Will definitely be paying more attention to how my body reacts when I use tampons in the future.
Erika Lindberg having tampons laying around single in your bag- it's dangerous as dirt, bacteria etc can get under the wrapper and that you can get tss
The way they're wrapped here I don't see how dirt could possibly get underneath haha but thanks for the concern. I'll be careful.
Erika Lindberg yeah same here I usually wear pads
Use menstrual cups!
"i ran out of tampons" sounds like she stretched her supply.
mostly fake news, nature still almost kills people all the time from minor things, you just never hear about it.
my mom once told me to wear a tampon to bed. I fully knew about TSS. I refused to wear it to bed, I was terrified lmao. I'd rather risk bleeding on my sheets than dying.
Asphyxia612 no it’s not, if you leave them in more than 3/4 hours it can be dangerous
Horαη Hυg ღ well 6 hours is fine
Kermit the frog wouldn’t risk it
Horαη Hυg ღ your choice 🤷🏽♂️
@@horhg1238 it's 8😂🤦🏽♀️
such a powerful story, thank you! ❤
Not really
I had no idea tss could cause such severe damage!
I never use those things.. I mean they are so uncomfortable, I love the way they say oh push it till it’s comfortable it never fucking is lmao..use a pad who needs the pressure.. cause if it’s a case of forgetting you could die why risk it!! A pad is easier to remember to change cause you see it you feel like shit!! So yes you change the shit...
Im sticking to Pads and wont ever change.
You should try menstrual cups
Apparently, a toxic shock is more at risk with cup. It's not the tampon but the timing, more then 6 hours, and with cup, the problem it's the oxygen able to feed the bacteria (staph)
danaehhe This is not true at all. Please do not spread misinformation.
The truth is, anytime you put a foreign object in your body you put yourself at risk for infection. However, the risk of infection is significantly lower with menstrual cups in comparison to tampons, as menstrual cups are typically made of medical grade silicone that does not contain the harsh chemicals that tampons harbor. You just have to be mindful to clean your hands upon inserting and removing the cup, and to wash the cup thoroughly after removal to prevent getting infections associated with bad bacteria growth.
same. even if they're really uncomfortable and spill blood everywhere at times.
Zoleka Mncwabe well girl, even with pads, there is still a chance you can get TSS. Smaller than tampons but still is
Wow, I’ve been using cloth pads for years and love them. It might sound weird but it shouldn’t be viewed as nasty. Being a woman is beautiful and using cloth pads is great for the earth and our bodies.
Menstrual cups are also a great waste free alternative.
Happy Hikers me too :) best change of my life
Lycan Whipstitch thank you!!!
Izzy Owen yes, I’ve looked into them but I personally prefer something external!
Melissa - amen, periods are so much better now. I didn’t realize how much of the discomfort was coming from tampons.
Incredible story, somehow I got here by mistake. I'm glad I watched the whole interview. I had no idea about T.S.S. She's very brave, her story brought tears to my eyes.
I had no idea this was possible. Absolutely frightening. Thank you so very much for sharing this story ❤ 🙏🏽 I am so grateful that you were brave enough to share this because most of us have no idea. You so are beautiful. I love you and I am wishing you beautiful health and a bright future 🌻🌈
"There's no warning on the commercials that warn about TSS". No, there isn't but there ARE warnings all over the box and a huge pamphlet warning about TSS inside the actual product. I have used SO many different brands of tampons and every box has come with a pamphlet about TSS.
Jenn Ryan YES! Everyone expecting everything to be spoon fed to them, yes there is a massive amount of information including the signs and symptoms of tss, the risks etc. Menstrual cups carry the same risk. It’s tragic that she and others went through this but it’s a known risk.
Its like people who don't read the instruction leaflets in a box of tablets and then get mad because theyre getting side effects even though everything is in the leaflet
And they say there’s a risk if you left it for longer than the recommended hours, but she didn’t do that.
I know right?! I'm seeing so many comments about how "there is no aware about this, it's so fucked up!"
It's not like they didn't learn about this in sex ed, and even if they didn't, the boxed of tampons are plastered in labels about TSS
A cursory glance at one of the pamphlets in required by LAW in every carton of every brand of tampons available in the US, and they are in cartons every other country I’ve ever purchased them also.
I feel like we need more details. TSS is caused by bacteria usually from wearing a tampon too long if it happened immediately that means either the tampon she used was old or her hands or something had bacteria and that got in there. I know it’s personal but if they want to be an informative story I’m gonna need full details to low what to do as precaution
Direct Entertainment News YESSSSS I NEEDED SOME MORE DETAILED INFO LIKE THIS
Menstrual TSS is caused by a toxin (TSST-1) produced by some strains of Staph aureus. Staph is normal skin flora, and it can easily make its way into the vaginal tract. The vagina isn't the optimal environment for Staph aureus though, so typically it doesn't proliferate there (though some women may have asymptomatic colonization) and doesn't cause any problems, and it only produces TSST-1 under certain conditions. It's actually not entirely understood why tampons are a risk factor for TSS, but it's thought that by absorbing moisture, tampons may create a more suitable environment for Staph to grow and produce TSST-1. Higher absorbancy increases the risk, so use the minimum absorbancy necessary.
My best friend almost died from this and she only had it in for about three hours and a woman nearby me lost both her legs from this TSS is very real :(
At that point the TSS had made her so sick that she became unconscious, she wasn't in a lucid state of mind to take it out.
Meagan David i sleep with a tampon in because my periods are way too heavy for just a pad. and i use a menstrual cup during the day, but at night it always leaked. what is an alternative? i really don't know what to do and this story scared the hell out of me
I didn’t even know that could happen. This video was so great to inform girls. It was amazing to see how strong she became
victoria nguyen dude! It's on the box. There is a pamphlet. Sex ed exists
Lisa Marie Whitty stop
🛑
Lisa Marie Whitty its not on boxes where I live and they didn't teach us about it in sex ed, your school might have but not every school does
Miekha Wyatt Where are you from?
Wow! Just went in the bathroom and Took out my Tampon...Seriously considering not using them anymore! Thanks...peace and blessings going forward! Glad to hear the young lady has become a more present person in life! Now she seems like she has turned her present situation into a gift by getting the message out a possibily helping others...
Tampons *do not give you tss*
This was an incredible interview. I hope Lauren continues her important mission in service of women everywhere to help get the word out about TSS.
That is so scary omg poor gal
Genesis Mendoza girl* 🙄
Genesis Mendoza meh
These videos are easily my favourite on youtube. So raw and real. I love it.
One of the best I've seen, strength and vulnerability 💞 Inspirational x
I lost a friend to this. She left a young daughter. This should be one of the first things taught to women who use tampons.
What would teaching do tho? All women’s hygiene products can cause this. What we need is better safer products for women.
@@STARKILLER15100 until such a time teaching is all we got.
That was courageous of her. Sad story and heartbreaking as well. She's still beautiful.
what a strong and beautiful woman . made me cry.
Lauren Wasser congrats for being you, for living your life like you live, for shareing it!
Wow. Just wow. Thank you for sharing your story, for raising awareness, and for making us all think again about the products we use in, and on our body. You definitely do have a voice and a purpose.
Holy cow... I did not know this was what toxic shock syndrome did. This girl is so fricking strong I could never even touch that level of determination and strength that she just showed us she has. Very inspirational and informational. :) Thanks for being brave enough to be vulnerable and for bearing your soul to strangers so that they can be informed.
Amazing documentary should be publicised on TV world wide. What a brave, strong and inspirational woman you are.
There’s a lot of details missing needed to inform and protect people. Did she have the tampon in for days? She felt the symptoms right away but she kept the tampon in?
Jenn Nightstar she felt bad just hours (normal hours) of wearing it. Its not super explanatory but she said it
And besides, considering TSS is so rare, I HIGHLY doubt that when she started feeling flu symptoms that she immediately assumed TSS. I doubt anybody would.
I think maybe there was two in there, because how would you get it right away???
4-8hours i guess
Ok idk if this is the same model, but I remember reading her story awhile ago. She went to a party (with a tampon in) started to feel sick so she went home and fell asleep. She fell so ill that her mother called the police to do a welfare check bc no one could get ahold of her, she was passed out sick and feverish for days. It is unfortunate, but yeah she left her tampon in when she went to bed and then got sick.
Loved that ! So brave !
I’m struggling every single day since I recovered from my anorexia , just to look down and my body be so different you know ? Like one minute it’s pride like yeah I got better when I was told I’d die , I fought and I’m damn proud of my body but then the next is like I feel so vile and fat and just worthless . Keep inspiring 💖
I'm a 16 year old girl and I use a menstrual cup. In my experience, every girl of my age I have spoken to about menstrual cups have felt they were weird or intimidating. The educational system is not doing enough to tell girls and women about things like tss or just basic period products. If my mum hadn't raised my with such a safe and open environment to talk about things like periods I would hardly know anything and that's scary because not a lot of women have had the same environment as me and have no idea!
Izzy Owen great mom! I use a menstrual cup now (I'm 24) and a lot of people around me still think it's creepy.
Skims24 the reason many younger girls like yourself feels intimidated about diva cups is because many gals dont wanna use something like a tampon or diva cup when they’re still virgins
in the summer of 2015 The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology released an article confirming the first medically recognized case of TSS tied to menstrual cup use. The patient was a 37-year-old woman who had used a DivaCup 10 days prior to presenting with TSS.
Izzy Owen Parents should tell their kids too !!
hb just wearing cloth pads? environmentally friendly and for girls who feel uncomfortable with the insertion process it's much easier for them, with no chance of tss.
Oh sweetheart. You have the kindest soul. What an inspiration. Your story does not pertain just to the amputation. Your strength applies to all the horrific situations we all bare to cross. You are beautiful.
I cried. I never cry. I have an elderly friend who is going to lose her right leg to diabetes this week. She was never a super model. Just a lovely person with a beautiful personality. Our bodies are not what we really are. Our real beauty lies a lot deeper within.
You are a champion Lauren.
Thank you for this raw, vulnerable and authentic interview. Lauren you are amazing! Keep shining your light 🌟🙏🏼
I’m 15 and use tampons. I know of TSS but it’s kinda shocking to think her symptoms came immediately. Now I’m debating whether I should continue using tampons.
Miekel use a cup!
I use menstrual cup and it is so much better in every aspect, including comfort.
Miekel just change it every 5 hours
Skims24. Same risk in a menstrual cup! Just use pads or be careful!
Peaches not the same risk, waaayy lower
I agree with the comment at the end. Lauren is beautiful and her willingness to present her true story in such a raw, honest way with out holding any punches was very courageous.
I am so impressed on how she made the most of a sad situation! She is an amazing example for us all!
So she basically passed out for one day before the police came?!? That's terrifying.
jess do you want cops at your door anytime you dont answer to friends 😂 ?
I just bought 2 menstrual cups because of this video and for the environment. Thank you Lauren for sharing your story. Every woman needs to hear this. x
HOLY SHIT. That was powerful. She's so engaging too.
Period cups are awesome. Im so sorry what happened to you. Im 23 right now and just laying in bed looking at my legs beeing grateful. Thank you so much for sharing.
thank you so so much for including disabled people in these videos so many people forget that disabled people really struggle to recieve honest representation on top of ableism and inaccessibility and so much else.
Alternative to tampons- menstrual cups made out of medical grade silicone. They're freaking amazing!
+
I love mine, I use it and Thinx underwear.
isn't it really gross when you have to clean it in a public bathroom or at school or something? i would love to try them, but I can't just go up to the sink and wash it because there are other people :/
I mean most other women have periods too so just own it. I've had it occasionally be odd but it has also become a talking point.
Jennifer van Os keep the wipes and a bottled water in your bag and you dont have to leave the stall...problem solved.
Really odd, a few periods ago, I changed tampons. About 30 minutes after I started to feel really off, I dropped my kids off at school and went to the gym. I almost went home, but I figured even if I just sit on the stationery bike, at least I did something... anyway, I got to the gym, put my kids in the care room, and put my bag down, I was feeling even worse. I went and changed my tampon again (because I usually do before a workout on heavy days), and about 10 minutes later I felt normal. Was so weird. I did wonder if there was a problem with that tampon.
You are one incredible woman....be proud of yourself please!!!!
My husband is about to under go amputation early next year due to Osteomylitis, I cried with you on watching your story. My husband is 56, he is hoping for a miracle, but the infection is in the bone and it wont get better. You , lovely lady are one amazing woman - Good luck in all you do Lauren. God Bless. Lesley xxxxP>S Im going to ask him to watch your story xx
This is like an Afterschool special (90s kid here). I had no idea TSS could be so bad. She is very strong to talk about this!
Thank you so much for telling your story, i really didn't know this. I used to let my tampon in at night but i definitely won't anymore.
I was always told to not leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours or else I might get toxic shock syndrome. So I’m confused about why she started feeling the symptoms very soon after putting the tampon in.
I'm confused too. Did she have it in more than 8 hrs?
I've been using Tampax since I was 14 so it's been 39 years for me. I never leave them in longer than 4-6 hours except when I'm sleeping or forget it's there. I don't think they asked if she had possibly left one in too long.
She said she reacted almost instantly. TSS is caused by tears in the vaginal wall so anything that could cause a tiny abrasion (like a tampon or cup) can cause it, and it's bacteria getting in those tears that causes TSS. The risk is increased if you leave your tampon in too long but it's not necessary for this to happen.
Grace D there's been a few times where I have forgotten to take it out, more than 8 hours probably about 16 usually around the end of my period when i forget about it due to less bleeding, and it always started come out on its own just sliding halfway out when I went pee, never failed , I don't understand it being able to be in so at a time without it coming out on it's own.
@@Kate-ev5jc if you are sexually active you are always going to have micro tears in your vaginal wall. I think it's more the pH imbalance caused by loss of vaginal fluid. If she was immunocompromised then she would be more susceptible to infection. I think there had to have been more to the story. Either she left it in too long or she had an inappropriate tampon absorption. Women's flow change throughout their life. Maybe she didn't adjust their tampons accordingly. She could have just had a tampon that was too absorptive. All I have are theories, but this isn't detailed enough. There is a pitch fork and flames undertone here that is emotionally driven. understandably so in her case but the interviewer should have accounted for this.
Whoa every time I hear about these stories it’s always because women leave in the tampon for days at a time. This one girl left it in because she forgot about it and it was black when they got it out. This is the first story I heard where a tampon does this immediately. Thank you for this! I will always and I’ve always used pads cuz this is crazy and real.
Jacky Rose She put it in and immediately started having symptoms. She didn't think to take it out- and ended up passing out. This led her to be unconscious for a few days- causing her condition to worsen because the tampon was not removed during that time
violetsaviolet how did she get tss as soon as she put it in ?
Lara M staph somehow got in there .. guess we won’t know .
Lara M Don’t fret too much. You don’t get TSS from inserting the tampon, it’s when the bacteria gets into your blood stream. The bacteria was already colonizing, and it is likely it got into her blood stream through a small tear which can easily happen during removal and insertion of a dry tampon.
It was probably from the tampon she had in before she changed. She never said how long it was in for, but to get TSS they have to be in for a while. I don't know why she thinks it was the second one she put in. It just happened that she started having the symptoms when she changed tampons.
I like this channel because you can empathize with both the suffering and the strength of all participants and get to be a little positive in your own way.
What a Warrior…So Brave..So Real…Your Story is Humbling…What a Warrior…A Beautiful~Beautiful Warrior ;] GOD BLESS You
How fucked up is it that there is absolutely no awareness on this? HOW
Atoussa but... there is???
Every box of tampons has warnings on it and a pamphlet about TSS in it.
Like someone earlier said, this is strength and vulnerability. Thank you for sharing!
Sad she lost her leg but it makes her look like a badass
This woman is amazing, no words to describe how incredible she is. It highlights the faults in our society, how we see disability as a loss instead of adapting our ableist world to be more accommodating of the millions who live with disability, how we see young, thin, women as what we are supposed to aspire to, how role models are more important than fashion models. Bravo Lauren, you are the woman I aspire to be.
A very impactful and purposeful video essay. Thank you to everyone who made this happen.
OMG, this is so heartbreaking!! At 41yrs of age, this is the very first time in my life I've EVER heard of "toxic shock syndrome", and I'm absolutely mortified that I've been taking this kind of chance with my health, life and limbs by wearing tampons... OMG!!! #ImDone!!!
If you use them correctly you won’t get TSS. It is a very scary sad story, I cannot imagine. But if you use the all natural cotton tampons and change them every 4 hours, it is very safe.
I'm very surprised at the number of women saying they have never heard of TSS before. I read about it in pretty much every book there was about puberty long before I started using tampons, and there are warning labels in every box of tampons explaining it. It's important to change tampons regularly. I know they say there's a limit on the amount of hours you should leave one in but I don't remember the exact number. Don't use super absorbent tampons if your flow isn't heavy, don't use scented tampons, and DO NOT wear them to bed. I'm a dancer, so it's kinda hard to avoid using them and prefer to not walk around feeling like I wet my pants, but if I'm not dancing or swimming, I'll use liners to be safe. Listen to your body. If you start feeling sick while wearing a tampon, take it out immediately, even if it didn't cause the sickness, you can't be too safe. Women need more education about this!
I know this is a year old but I'm torn about tampons, i have swimming lessons and heavy flow so i bought the super absorbent i only plan using them 1hr and then change to pads bc i really don't want to miss my lessons just wanna know your opinion, sorry
Tampons dont cause tss
2018 UPDATE: she had her left leg amputated too, now she's a double amputee.
really
@@johnnycash578 yes really. The complications from the TSS led to excruciating pain in her remaining leg so she had it removed. According to her, “Losing the first leg gave me life, but losing my second leg gave me freedom”...
I cried and I didn't expect it. Lauren if you ever read this, your leg is badass. I love it and I mean it. Internet hugs.
I have never felt the urge to comment on any youtube video but this story and the message it conveys is so powerful, it offers a fresh perspective of our viewing on our personal circumstances in life. So thank you for this.
you can run a marathon. they have prosthetics designed for that. granted, the commitment to training will reflect the severity of your condition. I've ran 8 so far and have scene it done 3 or 4 times.
A friend of mine once also had flu symptoms for a few days and at some point he just passed out while doing nothing in the kitchen. His gf called the ambulance...
It turned out to be a blood infection from a bad tooth. He didn't feel pain, he was just surprised by that shit. He was basically fine, but he had tubes in his jaw for rinsing, that took a week in the hospital.
Again, US citizens: this crap just happens. Healthcare for all is important.
this makes me want to buy a diva cup ...
i literally just bought a diva cup lmao
Same.
cups still cause TSS, TSS is caused by tears so anything that could cause a tiny abrasion like a tampon or cup can cause it, the bacteria in the vagina getting in those tears can rarely cause TSS from either tampons, cups, anything
You can still get tss from a cup
Panda Power why doesn't "penetration" cause that?
That’s why I use pads. I got super sick one time after using a tampon and took it right out. We are always told that TSS only happens when you wear a tampon too long. I’m so thankful that this beautiful, strong woman is shedding light on an important issue!
I used my first tampon in 2018 at 29, it caused a bacterial infection that hurt so badly that I could barely stand up straight. I had no idea that was even possible, we should be more educated about everything that goes into these products and the problems they can cause. Thank you for sharing.
make this go viral
Just snatched my tampon out😫 . Amazing story! I started watching this because I’ve been feeling weird since I started back using them.
Such a sad story but I still have so many questions.
melopsicodelia same tho
The coma from tss really does change you. This lady is an Angel for her honesty.
I just cried. All the way through this. Amputees are...strong to keep going and live their dreams. I dont know what Id do.
mist told that
so did she have the tampon in for longer than 8 hours bc she said immediately like how does that happen? genuinely curious, not trying to troll. Amazing and inspiring by the way!
this scared the everlasting shit out of me because I literally had a tampon on during school. 😨
Lauren’s story is the reason is stopped using tampons and switched to a menstrual cup back in 2016. She’s a warrior.
Some women have had toxic shock syndrom using menstrual cups too. Be careful!!
thank you for sharing your tremendous and heroic story of surviving such horrible illness."out of bad comes good!!! you have blossomed into an incredible human being. "Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny." CS Lewis
Wow Lauren, thank you for that. I think it's every young person or even old person's fear can bw losing that part of themselves physically. It's always been one of mine. You, showed what it's like to overcome that fear. You, are an inspiration to many people out there. Nobody has a perfect life. And what you said at the beginning of this was so powerful. It is so easy to get caught up in the fake crap until something truly awful happens to you and then you have to really find yourself. I love people who have found themselves in hard stuff. They are the salt of the earth and you, my friend, are the salt of the earth.
There's a whole thing on TSS in every pack of tampons in my country. There's seriously no warnings on tampons in the US? D:
epithymbria there are warning here. It says to make sure you change it every 6 hours. I guess she just had a fluke thing happen.
I think she’s aware that there’s warnings on tampons, but she’s trying to advocate for greater awareness of how aggressive TSS can be. From the warning labels, most people may believe that TSS happens only after wearing a tampon for too long, but as we can see from Lauren’s case that’s not true. The misinformation that her case is a fluke is dangerous and puts women who experience early signs of TSS at a greater risk. This is information every woman using tampons should have readily and easily available and I think what Lauren advocates for is important and could save lives.
I think there is, but when you're sick and on your period, who thinks about it ? Seriously ?
There is a warning about not leaving it in for eight hours, but I think she's campaigning for tampon companies to change the materials they use to ones that won't make a breeding ground for TSS. I've read cotton is fine, but rayon and acrylic will drastically increase your chances of getting TSS from a tampon.
Floriane ingrao then use pads or menstrual cups. Yes people get sick but who honestly leaves a tampon in that long?