In October 2012, Lauren Wasser, a model, accidentally lost both of her legs after she used tampons that were labeled correctly.
The 24-year-old had been changing her pads every four hours during her period.
However, shortly after she started experiencing flu-like symptoms, she was rushed to the hospital.
She suffered from heart attacks and her kidneys started to fail.
Due to her condition, doctors had to amputate her entire right leg and toes. Lauren, who is now 36 years old, said that everything in her life had happened so fast.
She was then diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome, a rare and life-threatening condition that can be caused by an infection.
According to the NHS, this condition can occur when an infected wound is used or when one uses a tampon or other feminine hygiene product.
Symptoms of this illness include a high temperature, a sandpaper-like itch, and muscle aches. Lauren, who has worked for various high-profile organizations such as Vogue, Harper’S Bazaar, and Glamour, urged everyone to be aware of the condition.
After going out with her friends, Lauren fell ill and was sent home. Her mum then called the police to check on her. An officer then arrived and checked her condition, but she didn’t need to be sent to the hospital.
Lauren said that she felt extremely hot, and she wanted to remove all of her clothes. However, due to her condition, her body started to shut down. She was then found on the floor. Lauren said that she was ten minutes from death.
After suffering two heart attacks, Lauren was rushed to the hospital. She was then placed in an induced coma for over a week. The staff at the hospital gave her a one percent chance of survival. Lauren, who is now known as the “girl with the golden legs,” was eventually diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome.
Her right leg was also taken out due to the damage caused by the toxic shock syndrome. Lauren had surgery in 2018 to have her left leg taken out. Due to her condition, she found walking unbearable. Lauren, who is now using period pads, hopes that by sharing her story, other people will be aware of the risks associated with this illness.