But, while rare, TSS is still happening to tampon users.
Fifteen minutes later, her friend who also was feeling unwell vomited and felt better after leaving the plane.
Kirdar vomited as well, but her symptoms worsened.
Bella Geraci
She vomited more, couldnt keep down liquids and went in and out of consciousness.
I was suddenly unresponsive…it felt like my life kept flickering before my eyes, Kirdar tellsAllure.
I remember asking, over and over, whether I was going to be okay.
Before her plane took off, Kirdar inserted a super tampon from a popular brand.
When she exited the plane, about three hours later, she mustered enough energy to change the tampon.
Kirdar says she didnt know much about TSS at the time.
We didnt cover it in my health class at school.
How do you get TSS from tampons?
When a high absorbency tampon is used, they are typically left in place for longer periods of time.
What are the symptoms of TSS?
Another key indicator of TSS may be askin rashwhich Kirdar had, but dismissed as being nothing serious.
Her doctors said it was likely her body’s first sign of infection.
How is TSS treated?
Treatment includes hospitalization, hydration, and antibiotics with additional medications as needed, " says Dr. Hack.
With delayed diagnosis, the mortality rate can reach up to 50%.
Soon, she saw a gynecologist who examined her and discovered a lodged tampon.
It was estimated that the tampon was inside of her for about six weeks.
Doctors told her that the antibiotics she took saved her from severe illness.
Its estimated that only 1 out of every 100,000 people get TSS.
And contrary to what many people believe, only half of reported cases of TSS areassociated with menstruation.
Dr. Hack has thoughts around why TSS menstruation gets the most hype.
In addition, because most women of reproductive-age menstruate, it provides an opportunity for prevention.
And while it seems obvious, people should not use tampons when they arent menstruating.
Prior to TSS, Kirdar had a normal life.
I was healthy and happy.
I went to school in the Bronx and spent my summers at sleepaway camp in Maine, she said.
Now she dedicates her life to educating others on the dangers of TSS with her websiteTeach Schools Shock.
I want people to be aware of the causes and symptoms of TSS.
Today, Hyde primarily wears period pants during her period.
On the occasion Hyde wears a tampon she changes them after one to two hours of use.
TSS is life changing for those whove survived it.
If youve had it once, theres anincreased chance you’ve got the option to get it again.
I’m careful about how I look after myself and appreciate how amazing the human body is.
People have lost their legs after two weeks [from TSS] so I am incredibly lucky.
