Although she is a model from California, Lauren Wasser had to have her right leg amputated for a reason that astonished me.
Most people never think such a product could lead to a major tragedy and impact your life so deeply.
After experiencing this, Lauren is dedicated to preventing others from facing the same, so she is alerting women about the risks of everyday cosmetics.
In 2012, Lauren Wasser went to a hospital in California because she was feeling flu-like symptoms. It was revealed that she had menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) instead of flu, caused by toxins from bacteria.
Why did the patient get infected? A tampon. If tampons are left in for a long time, it may cause what is commonly known as menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS).
Lauren was in a coma for over a week after being bitten by the mTTS and when she woke up they had to remove her leg as it was infected. She was only 24 when she died.
No one else should suffer through what I have gone through.
She took legal action against Kotex Natural Balance which she believed was the cause of her terrible experience with tampons.
I stuck with my usual purchase of tampons, using them the same as the instructions say which is how almost all women do. On that particular day, the toxins made me so ill that I almost died. I had a high fever of 42 degrees, my organs and kidneys stopped working and I suffered two heart attacks. When asked by Harper’s Bazaar, she shared that there was only a 1-percent chance she would survive.
Because the vagina is extremely absorbent and leads to important organs, people need to be aware of the possibilities, Lauren shared in InStyle.
After seven years of having mTTS, Lauren was forced to have her other leg amputated as well.
My world went upside down so fast that I could barely stand up. I forgot who I was and what goals I had for myself. She describes how there were moments when she felt so bad that death seemed like an answer for her.
Got involved in activities that made a difference
Lauren made a decision not to end her life because she couldn’t leave her little brother behind. She did not want him to be alone and come home first, in case something happened. That one belief made her hold fast. Little by little, she started to view her issues as challenges rather than failures.
She realized much later that mTSS had been taking women’s lives for decades. It filled her with enthusiasm and energy. She made a point of speaking out — both for herself and for all the others who had not been given the chance before.
She realized that she could make a bigger difference by advocating for women who suffered loss, illness or damaged hopes. “I should not have had my legs taken off,” Lauren replies. Tampons should not put any woman in a situation where her safety is put at risk.
As time went on, Lauren Wasser got used to her new life and even started to like it. You grew little by little as time went by. After seeing A$AP Rocky’s grills, she decided that her prosthetics should be made to resemble art. Why limit yourself to gold jewelry? Presently, she embraces every day and doesn’t hold back—going for five-mile jogs, reaching the top of mountains with her dog, practicing Pilates, playing basketball and featuring in a lingerie ad seen worldwide. She replies with assurance, saying that she can do anything. What’s more, I can go without having my toenails painted.
“Be proud of the person you are”
Wasser believes that although building your own future is tough, it truly matters. She hopes that people will relate to her story of being a regular person who survived a tough experience and grew stronger.
She makes it clear — dealing with tough situations can broaden your life and open you to many chances. She tells me, “Accept yourself and make sure to smile at everyone as you walk through the door, even when you’re not feeling it.” Being in control of your own life will encourage others to do the same.”
Maintaining her faith helps her and she admits that struggling with poor mental health is normal. She notes that modern society expects everyone to always be happy. “Consider letting go of other people’s opinions in January.” As so many people care about likes and comments on social media these days, she reminds everyone that they don’t need to prove themselves anymore.
This young woman truly deserves my respect. Put up a fight, with your head high and hopeful. By continuing to fight, Lauren tries to ensure that others do not face the same challenges she did.
Telling Lauren’s story can help all women to be informed about the risks of using tampons.
