Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in July 2023.
Lauren Wasser, a 35-year-old model, recently shared her near-death experience with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) caused by a tampon. The terrifying ordeal left her with both legs amputated below the knee and a strong determination to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with feminine hygiene products.
Wasser recounted her harrowing journey on The Diary Of A CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett. What began as flu-like symptoms quickly escalated, resulting in a massive heart attack and life support. Gangrene took hold of both her legs, leaving no choice but to amputate them.
Now based in Los Angeles, Wasser is on a mission to alert women and young girls to the hidden dangers of tampons. She’s advocating for legislation that mandates transparency in feminine hygiene products.
Lauren Wasser in the hospital, Photo Credit: theimpossiblemuse/Instagram
In 2012, at the age of 24, Wasser turned down a full basketball scholarship to pursue her career in fashion. Little did she know that her life would take a drastic turn. As she fell ill, initially believing it was the flu, she was found unconscious and near death in her apartment, covered in feces and vomit. A wellness check by her mother had saved her life.
Her fever reached a dangerous 107 degrees, leading to a heart attack and organ failure. An infectious disease doctor suspected TSS after conducting a test. TSS is a rare and life-threatening bacterial infection often misdiagnosed due to symptoms resembling more common illnesses.
While Wasser’s life was spared, the gangrene damage to her legs was irreversible, necessitating amputation. She described the excruciating burning sensation in her feet, and the grim decision to amputate her right leg to save her life.
