Note: This story was originally featured in July 2023 and is being republished to continue raising awareness.
Lauren Wasser, a 35-year-old model, recently shared the life-altering experience that nearly took her life. She contracted Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) from using a tampon, an ordeal that ultimately led to the amputation of both her legs below the knee. Now, Wasser is using her story to sound the alarm about the dangers of feminine hygiene products and is determined to ensure others don’t face the same fate.
On The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett, Wasser opened up about the terrifying ordeal. What started as flu-like symptoms quickly spiraled into a massive heart attack, followed by life support and the onset of gangrene in both her legs. The infection progressed so rapidly that amputation was the only option to save her life.
Now living in Los Angeles, Wasser has made it her mission to raise awareness about the hidden risks associated with tampons. She’s advocating for legislation that would require full transparency in the ingredients and safety of feminine hygiene products to protect women and young girls everywhere.
In 2012, at just 24 years old, Lauren Wasser made the bold decision to turn down a full basketball scholarship in favor of pursuing a career in fashion. She had no idea that this choice would lead her down a path of unimaginable hardship.
What began as what she thought was a simple flu soon took a terrifying turn. After falling seriously ill, Wasser was found unconscious and close to death in her apartment, surrounded by vomit and feces. A wellness check from her mother ultimately saved her life.
Her body was in critical condition, with a fever reaching a dangerous 107 degrees. This led to a heart attack and multiple organ failures. A doctor specializing in infectious diseases suspected Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) after conducting a series of tests. TSS is a rare, life-threatening infection that’s often misdiagnosed due to its flu-like symptoms, making it hard to detect in its early stages.
Though Wasser survived, the damage to her legs was severe and irreversible. The gangrene that set in was so extensive that amputation became the only option. She vividly recalls the agonizing, burning sensation in her feet before the grim decision was made to amputate her right leg to save her life.