What were Lauren Wasser's initial symptoms of TSS and why was it misdiagnosed?

Lauren initially experienced flu-like symptoms including feeling very sick, extreme heat, and a 107-degree fever. It was misdiagnosed as the flu because TSS symptoms are vague and doctors don't immediately connect them to tampon use, partly due to a lack of awareness and a history of misdiagnosis.

How did the medical team discover Lauren Wasser had Toxic Shock Syndrome?

After Lauren was rushed to St. John's hospital, a fortunate infectious disease doctor, who happened to be on call, asked if she had a tampon in. Once located and sent to the lab, it confirmed TSS Level 1, allowing doctors to stabilize her.

What were the immediate consequences of TSS on Lauren Wasser's body?

Lauren suffered two heart attacks, kidney and organ failure, and her feet began turning black. Doctors had to put her on life support with a 1% chance of survival. The damage to her lower extremities was irreversible due to blood prioritization to vital organs.

How did Lauren Wasser cope with the amputation of her right leg and the unbearable pain?

Lauren overheard the amputation decision, leading to profound shock and screaming. Post-surgery, she was denied pain medication for 24 hours due to heart complications, causing her to feel every agonizing sensation of the amputation, which she describes as an unimaginable trauma.

What was Lauren Wasser's emotional and mental state during her eight months in a wheelchair?

Lauren experienced severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and anger, feeling her life was over. She struggled with the inaccessibility of the world for people with disabilities and felt ashamed, often hiding from others.

Why did Lauren Wasser decide to amputate her second leg years after the initial incident?

Seven years after her first amputation, Lauren decided to amputate her left leg because of persistent, excruciating pain and severe damage that prevented her from living an active life. She realized keeping the leg was holding her back from freedom and her true self.

How did Lauren Wasser’s perspective change after her second amputation, leading to her 'golden legs'?

Losing her second leg brought Lauren a sense of freedom. She embraced her identity, choosing distinctive 'golden legs' inspired by ASAP Rocky's 'golden grill'. This highly visible choice transformed her shame into a statement of ownership and pride.

What is Lauren Wasser doing to advocate for safer feminine hygiene products?

Lauren is actively campaigning for ingredient transparency and safety testing in feminine hygiene products. She works with Madeline Masavi, a mother who lost her daughter to TSS, to reintroduce bills like the Robin Danielson Act to Congress, demanding accountability and change from manufacturers.

What alternatives are there to traditional tampons, and are they safer from TSS?

Lauren states that 'there is actually nothing on the market for women that is safe for us'. Even organic tampons are sprayed with pesticides, and products like menstrual cups can still cause TSS. She emphasizes that women are left with limited options that carry inherent risks.

What message does Lauren Wasser have for young girls and women about using feminine hygiene products?

Lauren urges young girls and women to be aware and educate themselves about the chemicals in feminine hygiene products. She warns against assuming 'it can't happen to you' and stresses the importance of reading labels and understanding the potential risks, as no one is off limits from TSS.

What is Lauren Wasser's ultimate goal in her advocacy work for TSS and feminine hygiene product safety?

Lauren aims for a future where women are protected by safe feminine hygiene products that will not kill them. She envisions a world where her voice has led to fundamental change, ensuring no other person has to endure the trauma she experienced.

Shocking TRUE Story: “I Lost Both Of My Legs Because Of A Tampon” (Health Warning) - Lauren Wasser

The Diary Of A CEO

People & Blogs3 min read107 min video

Jul 27, 2023|1,465,122 views|31,541|6,145

The Diary Of A CEO steven bartlett steve bartlett podcast the diary of a CEO podcast life lessons CEO Lauren Wasser interview toxic shock syndrome prevent toxic shock syndrome are tampons bad?the model who lost her legs the model with golden legs

Save to Pod

Key Moments

TL;DR

Toxic Shock Syndrome survivor Lauren Wasser lost her legs due to tampon use and now advocates for safer products.

Key Insights

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a life-threatening condition caused by bacterial infection that can be linked to tampon use.

Lauren Wasser's life was irrevocably changed by TSS, leading to the amputation of both her legs.

There is a lack of transparency and safety in feminine hygiene products, with concerns about chemicals like dioxin and chlorine.

Advocacy and legislative changes are crucial to ensure the safety of products used by millions of women globally.

Overcoming immense physical and psychological trauma requires resilience, acceptance, and a commitment to one's purpose.

The importance of self-advocacy, demanding safer products, and raising awareness about preventable health risks.

A STROKE OF FATE AND A SUDDEN TURN

Lauren Wasser's life took a catastrophic turn on October 3, 2012. While on her period, experiencing unusually heavy flow, she became severely ill and was found unconscious. Diagnosed with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a life-threatening condition, she was mere minutes from death. Her body suffered two heart attacks, multiple organ failures, and her extremities began to turn black, indicating severe tissue damage.

THE BRUTAL REALITY OF AMPUTATION

Facing imminent death, doctors made the agonizing decision to amputate Lauren's right leg below the knee. The excruciating process was made worse by the fact that she received no pain medication during the initial procedures. This marked the beginning of a long, arduous journey through recovery, pain, and psychological distress, as she grappled with the irreversible loss and the reality of her new existence.

THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE AND SAFER PRODUCTS

Wasser's experience with TSS, linked to tampon use, ignited a fierce passion for advocacy. She highlights the lack of transparency in feminine hygiene products, pointing to chemicals like chlorine bleach and dioxins present in many tampons. She argues that these synthetic materials can enter the bloodstream, causing severe health issues. The advocacy aims to pressure companies and governments for safer alternatives and more stringent regulations.

EMBRACING A NEW BEGINNING AMIDST TRAUMA

The aftermath of her amputations plunged Lauren into profound depression and suicidal thoughts. She spent eight months in a wheelchair, battling immense pain and the psychological toll of her condition. However, through therapy, support systems, and an unwavering internal strength, she gradually moved towards acceptance. Her journey involved confronting her trauma, finding purpose, and learning to live with her altered body in a new way.

THE DECISION FOR RECLAIMED FREEDOM

Years later, after enduring chronic pain and limitations from her remaining foot and heel, Lauren made the courageous decision to amputate her second leg. This act, initially advised by her godfather, was driven by a desire for freedom and a full life. The golden prosthetics she now wears are not just medical devices but symbols of her resilience, self-acceptance, and her ongoing mission to inspire others.

ADVOCACY, PURPOSE, AND A LASTING LEGACY

Lauren Wasser's story is a powerful one of survival, resilience, and advocacy. She has dedicated her life to raising awareness about the dangers of TSS and campaigning for safer feminine hygiene products. By sharing her story and working with organizations and legislators, she aims to prevent others from suffering similar fates, transforming her personal tragedy into a catalyst for widespread change and empowerment.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Products

●Software & Apps

●Tools

●Companies

●Organizations

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Common Questions

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a severe bacterial infection often linked to tampons containing toxic chemicals like chlorine bleach and dioxin. Lauren contracted it from using super absorbent tampons as normal, developing flu-like symptoms that quickly escalated to organ failure and near-death.

Topics

Toxic Shock Syndrome TSS Tampon Safety Amputation Feminine Hygiene Medical Trauma Injustice Legislation

Mentioned in this video

personMadeline Masavi

A mother who lost her teenage daughter to toxic shock syndrome and works with Lauren Wasser to advocate for change and pass new bills.

legislationRobin Danielson Act

A proposed bill, named after a woman who died of TSS in 1998, aimed at requiring ingredient transparency and safety testing for feminine hygiene products, which has been rejected by Congress multiple times.

conceptToxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

A deadly disease caused by a bacterial infection, often linked to tampon use, which can lead to organ failure and limb amputation.

personinfectious disease doctor

The doctor on call who correctly suspected TSS and asked if Lauren Wasser had a tampon in, leading to her diagnosis.

toolHyperbaric chamber

A medical treatment involving 100% oxygen to help blood flow and healing, which Lauren underwent at UCLA.

companyÖssur

An Icelandic prosthetic company that sponsors Lauren Wasser with advanced prosthetic technology, allowing her to maintain an active lifestyle.

personPeter Harsch

Lauren's prosthetist, considered the best in the world, who helped her with prosthetics tailored for an active lifestyle.

personLauren Wasser

Model, activist, and survivor of toxic shock syndrome who lost both of her legs due to tampon use.

organizationChallenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)

A foundation that helps people with physical challenges get back to their lives by providing them with necessary prosthetic legs.

personCarolyn Maloney

A congresswoman Lauren Wasser and Madeline Masavi met with to advocate for the reintroduction of the Robin Danielson Act.

softwaredontshockme.org

The foundation started by Madeline Masavi to raise awareness about TSS and advocate for safer feminine hygiene products.

conceptchlorine bleach

A chemical ingredient found in many feminine hygiene products, which contributes to the toxicity and risk of TSS.

personASAP Rocky

Rihanna's partner, whose 'Golden Grill' inspired Lauren to choose golden for her prosthetic legs.

supplementDioxin

Found this useful? Build your knowledge library

Get AI-powered summaries of any YouTube video, podcast, or article in seconds. Save them to your personal pods and access them anytime.

Try Summify free