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A model once nicknamed for her “golden legs” is now using her story to warn women everywhere about a rare but potentially deadly condition linked to tampon use.
Lauren Wasser was only 24 years old when her life changed forever after developing Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a serious bacterial infection that can occur when certain bacteria enter the bloodstream. What began as flu-like symptoms quickly turned into a medical emergency that nearly killed her.
The California model says she initially thought she had a normal illness after experiencing fever, dizziness, and exhaustion during her menstrual cycle. But within days, her organs began shutting down, and doctors placed her into a medically induced coma.
When she finally woke up, she learned the infection had caused catastrophic damage to her body.
Doctors were forced to amputate one of her legs below the knee in order to save her life. Years later, complications from the same condition led to the amputation of her second leg as well.
Despite the devastating outcome, Lauren refused to disappear from public life. Instead, she returned to modeling using custom-made gold prosthetic legs that later inspired the nickname “the woman with golden legs.” Her story has since become a global conversation about menstrual health awareness and product safety.
Today, Lauren continues speaking publicly about the dangers of ignoring early warning signs connected to Toxic Shock Syndrome. She says many women still do not realize how quickly symptoms can become life-threatening.
Health experts explain that TSS is rare, but it can progress extremely fast. Symptoms may include:
- Sudden high fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Confusion
- Rash resembling sunburn
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