Toxic Shock Syndrome: This woman nearly died after leaving a tampon in for almost 2 months

For many, talking about periods and period products is a taboo subject, however, it shouldn’t be as it is a natural part of life and a completely normal bodily function. As the subject is not often talked about, even between mothers and daughters, some women aren’t aware of certain dangers that come with certain period products.

That was the case for a woman in Australia, who was left ‘fighting for her life’ after she left a tampon in for almost two months and is now battling toxic shock syndrome (TSS). It is important to educate people on periods to avoid these life-threatening situations.

Even if it isn’t talked about at school, it is important to talk about it among friends and family, perhaps with any member of your family who goes through a menstrual cycle.

This woman was unaware of toxic shock syndrome

Mother of one, Kelsey Foster, 29, was left fighting for her life after she contracted toxic shock syndrome by forgetting to remove a tampon for 2 months.

Kelsey explains that she has been using tampons since she was a teenager and thought that TSS was an ‘urban legend’, as reported by news.com.au, as she was not taught about it in school and had only briefly read about it on the tampon box notice.

The main thing I want to get across is that talking about periods should not be shameful

She then added that periods need to be talked about more to avoid others suffering the same fate:

There is a lot of shame and stigma around any menstrual talk and it means that conditions like Toxic Shock Syndrome are simply not discussed.

Read more:Periods: Tips on how to avoid toxic shock syndrome

Kelsey was waiting for surgery when she discovered the tampon

You may be wondering how Kelsey’s case unfolded. The mum of one revealed that she had recently been in and out of hospital due to unrelated health issues and believes that is what caused her to forget about having a tampon in.

I don’t know how I left it inside me. My only thought was perhaps that I put it in while in the hospital, and simply forgot about it with all the medication and lack of sleep I had during this process

She told news.com.au that she was awaiting surgery after the hospital discovered she had gallstone and her gallbladder was shutting down when the tampon just fell out of her:

I am waiting for surgery and undergoing tests. One day, I went to the bathroom and I felt something ‘plonk’ out of me.

I thought it was just another blood clot, which happens to me a lot. But it was an old tampon.

The Australian then explains that she kept the tampon in a ziplock bag and gave it to her doctors, who ran tests to confirm that Kelsey had contracted TSS.

Read more: Free period products in Scotland: What can you expect to have free access to?

Read more: Menstruation: 7 reasons why your period might be late

Kelsey Foster is still being treated for toxic shock syndrome

Kelsey explains that she had experienced really bad cramps before discovering she had TSS, but since she suffers from endometriosis, and put her pain down to that.

As reported by news.com.au, Kelsey is now back at home but is being closely monitored by doctors. She is required to take three tablets a day and to keep hydrated. Kelsey is now spreading awareness on the issue and told news.com.au:

I suggest everyone set reminders if they have to when using these sanitary products. It honestly surprises me that tampons are even legal knowing that they can cause this bacterial infection that is so deadly.

Sources used:

News.com.au: ‘Woman ’lucky to be alive’ after leaving tampon in for too long’