Lauren Wasser, a Californian model, experienced a life-changing event in 2012 when she lost her right leg due to a rare and devastating condition caused by something many of us use without a second thought—a tampon. Her story is a shocking reminder of the potential dangers of everyday products and serves as a warning to women everywhere.
A Routine Day Turns Into a Nightmare
In 2012, Lauren went to the hospital thinking she had the flu. However, doctors quickly discovered that her symptoms were not due to the flu, but rather something much more severe—menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS), caused by bacterial toxins from a tampon. The infection spread rapidly, and Lauren’s condition worsened, leaving her in a coma for over a week.
At the young age of 24, Lauren’s life was forever changed when doctors had to amputate her right leg to save her life. Despite the overwhelming odds, Lauren survived, but the journey that followed was filled with physical and emotional challenges.
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Fighting Back and Raising Awareness
Lauren was determined that no other woman should suffer the way she had. She launched a legal battle against Kotex Natural Balance, the tampon brand that caused the reaction. In interviews, she explained how she had been following the instructions on the box, like many women do, but that day, the toxins in the tampon caused her body to go into septic shock, leading to kidney failure, multiple heart attacks, and a 1% chance of survival.
“What you remember is what happened to you, where you were, and how you felt,” she told Harper’s Bazaar, explaining the deep emotional pain she felt when people doubted her experience.
The devastating impact of mTSS was not new, but Lauren was determined to bring it to light. She shared her story with others, urging women to understand the potential dangers of tampons, especially when left in for long periods. “The vagina is the most absorbent part of a woman’s body and is a gateway to many of our vital organs,” she wrote in InStyle. “It is crucial that consumers know the reality of what could happen.”
A Second Loss and a Greater Purpose
Despite her initial survival, Lauren’s battle was far from over. Seven years after losing her right leg, she had to undergo another amputation—this time of her left leg. The physical pain was overwhelming, and emotionally, Lauren struggled with a loss of identity and purpose. She contemplated suicide during her darkest moments, but it was the thought of her younger brother that kept her going.
The thought of him finding her was unbearable, and that single thought gave her the strength to keep fighting. Over time, Lauren shifted her mindset and found a greater purpose in her struggle. She became a fierce advocate for others who had suffered from mTSS, speaking out about the need for better awareness and safer products.
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Embracing Her New Reality
Lauren’s journey was not easy, but she gradually learned to embrace her new reality. With time, she began to see her prosthetic legs not as burdens but as symbols of strength and resilience. Inspired by A$AP Rocky’s gold grills, she had her prosthetics cast in gold, turning them into works of art. “Why not wear gold jewelry all the time?” she reasoned.
Today, Lauren leads an active life. She runs five miles a day, hikes with her dog, does Pilates, plays basketball, and even starred in a global lingerie campaign. Her message is clear: there is nothing she can’t do. “Plus, I don’t need any pedicures,” she jokes.
Lauren’s Powerful Message
Lauren Wasser’s story is one of incredible resilience, and she wants others to find strength in her journey. Her message is simple: “Own who you are.” Life will throw challenges your way, but how you respond to those challenges can open doors to new possibilities.
Lauren credits her faith for helping her stay grounded, but she also acknowledges that it’s okay to not be okay. “Society puts so much pressure on being happy all the time,” she says. “This January, care a little less about what people think.” In a world obsessed with social media validation, Lauren encourages others to remember that they are already enough.
A Call to Action
Lauren Wasser’s journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the things we use every day can have unexpected and dangerous consequences. Her story has become a beacon of hope for other survivors and serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of tampons. Through her advocacy, Lauren is making sure no other woman has to suffer the way she did.
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Please share Lauren’s story to help raise awareness about the risks of tampons and encourage women to be informed and cautious when using menstrual products.
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Conclusion
Lauren’s story is one of strength, survival, and advocacy. Her determination to spread awareness about menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) and to help others avoid the same fate is truly inspiring. Life may have taken away her legs, but it gave her a purpose—to make sure no woman ever has to experience what she went through.
