Shocking TRUE Story: “I Lost Both Of My Legs Because Of A Tampon” (Health Warning) - Lauren Wasser
Lauren Wasser, a model and activist, shares her harrowing journey of surviving Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) which led to the amputation of both her legs. She discusses the dangers of toxic chemicals in feminine hygiene products and her relentless fight for safer alternatives and legislative change.
Deep Dive Analysis
18 Topic Outline
Lauren Wasser's Near-Fatal Experience with Toxic Shock Syndrome
Early Life, Family Background, and Athletic Aspirations
The Day Life Changed: Contracting TSS at 24
Hospitalization, Coma, and 1% Chance of Survival
Diagnosis of TSS and the Toxicity of Tampons
Waking from Coma and the Decision to Amputate
Post-Amputation Pain and Lack of Pain Medicine
Struggle with Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, and Faith
Living with One Amputated Leg and Chronic Pain
Learning from Veterans and the Path to Acceptance
Decision to Amputate the Second Leg for Freedom
The Impact of Losing a Father Figure
Embracing 'Golden Legs' and Challenging Perceptions
High Cost and Inaccessibility of Advanced Prosthetics
The Dangers of Tampons and Lack of Safe Alternatives
Activism and Campaigning for Safer Products and Legislation
Finding Purpose and the Power of Vulnerability
Vision for a Future Free from Toxic Shock Syndrome
4 Key Concepts
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
TSS is a life-threatening complication from bacterial infections, often caused by toxins released by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. It can be triggered by tampons containing synthetic fibers, chlorine, bleach, and dioxin, which create a 'perfect storm' when blood is trapped, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
This treatment involves entering a chamber with 200% oxygen, which helps to get blood flowing and can be used to treat severe infections or damage. Lauren underwent this therapy multiple times a day to try and salvage her legs after contracting TSS.
Gangrene
Gangrene is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that arises when a considerable mass of body tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply or a bacterial infection. In Lauren's case, gangrene set into her right leg, necessitating amputation to save her life.
Apple Grafts
A type of skin graft, possibly referring to foreskin, used in Lauren's case because it is considered tough enough to replace the severely damaged skin on her heel. This was necessary due to the unique strength and resilience required for heel skin, which cannot be easily regenerated or replaced.
7 Questions Answered
TSS is a life-threatening complication from bacterial infections, often caused by toxins released by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. It can be triggered by tampons containing synthetic fibers, chlorine, bleach, and dioxin, which create a 'perfect storm' when blood is trapped, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream.
Lauren contracted TSS from a super absorbent tampon, despite changing it regularly, due to the toxic chemicals and synthetic fibers in the product that created a gateway for the infection.
These products remain on sale because it is more cost-effective for companies to pay out lawsuits than to change their manufacturing processes and machines, as the tampon design itself has not changed since the early 1980s.
The episode suggests that currently, there are no truly safe feminine hygiene products on the market, as even organic tampons can be sprayed with pesticides, and alternatives like menstrual cups can still cause TSS.
Living with a disability, particularly being wheelchair-bound, is incredibly challenging because the world is not built for accessibility, leading to feelings of being looked down upon or deemed incapable, despite the immense mental strength required.
Overcoming deep suffering and finding acceptance takes time and cannot be rushed; it involves sitting with feelings, figuring out what to do with what you have, and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth, realizing that physical appearance doesn't define one's worth or purpose.
Lauren chose to amputate her second leg, seven years after the first, to regain her freedom and quality of life, as the damaged leg was causing excruciating pain and holding her back from her athletic aspirations and desire to live fully.
14 Actionable Insights
1. Demand Safer Products
Actively advocate for and demand safer feminine hygiene products, as current options often contain toxic chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and dioxin, which can cause severe health issues like TSS.
2. Educate on Product Risks
Be aware of the risks associated with daily products, especially feminine hygiene products. Read labels for chemicals and understand that even “organic” options may contain pesticides, as there are currently no truly safe options on the market.
3. Recognize TSS Symptoms
Learn to identify flu-like symptoms (e.g., high fever, feeling unwell) as potential indicators of Toxic Shock Syndrome, especially when using tampons, and seek medical attention promptly.
4. Change Tampons Regularly
Follow directions to change tampons every few hours, but understand that TSS can still occur due to product toxicity, not just prolonged use.
5. Channel Anger into Action
Transform feelings of injustice or anger into purposeful action and advocacy, as fighting for what is right can provide deep fulfillment and drive meaningful change for others.
6. Cultivate Inner Resilience
When facing extreme hardship or suicidal thoughts, listen to an inner voice that urges you to “just hold on,” and find reasons to continue, such as protecting loved ones from further pain.
7. Allow Time for Healing
Understand that healing, especially from physical or emotional trauma, cannot be rushed; allow yourself to sit with difficult feelings and trust the slow process of adaptation and recovery.
8. Celebrate Small Victories
Acknowledge and celebrate every small challenge overcome, such as simply getting out of bed, as these gradual successes build resilience and lead to significant progress over time.
9. Grow Through Discomfort
Recognize that personal growth occurs primarily in uncomfortable situations; embrace challenges as opportunities for development rather than avoiding them.
10. Own Your Identity
Accept and own your unique circumstances or physical differences, as this self-acceptance can transform how others perceive you, inviting curiosity and understanding rather than judgment.
11. Prioritize Movement and Freedom
Make decisions that prioritize your physical freedom and ability to move, as maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for overall well-being and a sense of normalcy.
12. Encourage Open Dialogue
Foster open conversations about differences and disabilities, especially with children, by answering questions honestly and challenging stigmas of incapability.
13. Focus on Lasting Impact
Prioritize making a positive, lasting impact on the world and saving lives over superficial achievements, as true fulfillment comes from contributing to something bigger than oneself.
14. Be Aware of Food Hormones
Understand that hormones in food may contribute to girls experiencing periods at younger ages, potentially increasing their susceptibility to product-related health issues.
6 Key Quotes
If men's dicks were falling off, there would be a resolution tomorrow.
Lauren Wasser
This almost killed me, and it's killed hundreds and thousands of women.
Lauren Wasser
There was something in my soul that was like, don't pull the trigger. Just hold on.
Lauren Wasser
I'm the girl with the golden legs.
Lauren Wasser
Losing your first leg saved your life and losing the second leg gave you your freedom.
Lauren Wasser
You can be the most beautiful person, but you can be the most sad, unfulfilled, ugly person, you know? I mean, it just, it doesn't mean anything. It's about what you do on this planet, not just for yourself, but for others.
Lauren Wasser