do i have TSS?

Question

last night i was at a basketball game and left my tampon in for 10 hours, is it possible i have toxic shock syndrom? how will i know, and what should i do?

Answer 1

I had a college roommate that had TSS. They had severe cramps and a fever, had to go to the hospital. Just b/c you left your tampon in extra long, it doesn't mean you have TSS. You would have symptoms. Just be extra diligent about changing your tampon every 4-6 hours. Also, make sure you interchange it with pads to prevent TSS. As long as you feel okay, don't worry about it. Just don't do it again.

Answer 2

You should be ok, but here are symptoms:

Symptoms
Toxic shock syndrome from staphylococcus starts suddenly with vomiting, high fever (temperature at least 102 degrees Fahrenheit [38.8 degrees Celsius]), a rapid drop in blood pressure (with lightheadedness or fainting), watery diarrhea, headache, sore throat, and muscle aches. Within 24 hours, a sunburn-like rash appears. There also may be bloodshot eyes and an unusual redness under the eyelids or inside the mouth (and vagina in females). After that, broken blood vessels may appear on the skin. Other symptoms may include: confusion or other mental changes; decreased urination; fatigue and weakness; thirst; weak and rapid pulse; pale, cool, moist skin; and rapid breathing.

When to Call Your Child's Doctor
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child has any of the following signs and symptoms:

Signs of shock: Go to the emergency department immediately or call an ambulance if your child has cold hands and feet; a pulse that is fast and weak; confusion or other mental changes; pale, moist skin; shortness of breath; abnormally fast breathing; or a strong feeling of anxiety or fear.

Signs of TSS: Look for fever; rash (especially a rash that looks like sunburn); nausea and vomiting; watery diarrhea; confusion or other mental changes; and decreased urination. If your daughter uses tampons, ask her to tell you immediately if she notices any unusual vaginal discharge, especially if it smells strange or bad. Most of the time that will be due to other causes, but no matter the cause, it still rates evaluation.

Signs of STSS: Look for the symptoms of shock listed above, plus a fever; blotchy rash; and an area of infected skin that is red, swollen, and painful.
Once you realize that something is wrong, it's important to get medical attention right away. The sooner your child gets treatment, the quicker the recovery will be.

Answer 3

If you had TSS, you'd be dead by now. Don't worry you're fine...just try not to leave a tampon in for that long again.