Model who lost her leg after using tampon for too long faces having other leg amputated

A shocking battle with toxic shock syndrome

A model who lost her leg after suffering from toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by a tampon has revealed that she's about to have her other leg amputated.

Lauren Wasser wasn't sure she would survive, let alone model again, after she lost her leg in 2012. But against all odds, the model, actress, and activist was able to turn her struggle into a teaching experience.

Now, the model has opened up about the difficulties she still faces as a result of the toxic shock syndrome, including the likelihood doctors will have to remove her remaining leg due to lasting complications.

Lauren Wasser, 29, contracted TSS in 2012 after using a tampon while on her period. She started suffering from flu-like symptoms, which culminated in a heart attack which left her on life support.

Gangrene began to consume both of her legs, which led to a below-the-knee amputation of her right leg and toe amputations on her left foot.

Although her doctors recommended amputating both legs at the time, as the chances of saving her left leg weren’t looking good, Wasser decided to fight and save her left leg.

Since surviving the harrowing ordeal, Wasser has dedicated her life to raising awareness to TSS prevention, including the potential risks of using tampons.

As for her continued battles with the effects of TSS, Wasser struggles with excruciating pain caused by the left leg she struggled to save.

Although she told InStyle she has “a golden leg that I am completely proud of,” the left leg she fought to save has “an open ulcer, no heel, and no toes. And over the years, my body has produced a lot of calcium, which causes my bones to grow on that foot.”

This constant struggle between Wasser’s body and brain means the model has had to undergo further surgeries to shave the bone down. However, it isn't a permanent solution.

Sharing that, “In a few months, I’m inevitably going to have my other leg amputated. There’s nothing I can do about it,” Wasser’s struggle with TSS continues, almost six years after her first amputation.

But as a survivor of the affliction that claims so many lives, Wasser is grateful to be alive and wants other women to be aware of the dangers that tampons pose.