Toxic Shock Questions

[imb1963]

My periods have changed recently so that I jokingly say I hemmorage for a day or two at the beginning.  Then my flow stops altoghter for almost a day and restarts as a "normal" period.  I cannot predict when my flow stops in the middle and several times I have been caught with a dry tampon.  When this occurs I get a sudden severe headache, nausea, dizziness, faintness, and feel generally very unwell until I remove the tampon.  The last time this happened there was a little over an hour between insertion of the tampon and removal and I almost didn't make it up the stairs to remove it.  I called my Dr.'s office, but they were closing for the day and I was told that I should be seen, but I should go to the local walk-in.  (What I was not told at the time was that they did not suspect TSS, but thought I should be checked for other causes.)  When I got to the walk-in the doctor completely humiliated me and told me that if I'd had TSS I would be dead and I wouldn't be talking to him.  I went home in tears.  I keep reading enough that tells me it is possible to have TSS and survive so I'm still worried about what's continuing to happen.  Am I worrying about nothing???

[oceans3]

i think your dr. was trying to actually "relieve" youre worries when he said that. i am ULTRA sensitive and based upon what you said, i think he sensed your concern/worry and that was his way of saying..no NEED to be alarmed. so if i dont take offense then "aint nobody should!!" lol!!!
toxic shock is very rare and was more common in the 70's (i think).
i dont think (unless you want to) that you need to stop tampons altogether. just change them frequently and try to use the regular ones (rather than super or super plus). or you could use pads at the beginning of your period when its heavy and go to tampons towards the end when it gets a bit lighter. i wouldnt worry about toxic shock, like i said its rare!

[imb1963]

Thanks for your input, everyone.  Yes, I know everyone has different cycle and they tend to change as you get older.  And (LOL) I do know that a heavy flow is not the same as a hemmorage - I was trying to keep a little humor about things.  Common sense has always dictated that I use tampons as little as possible, change them often and use the least absorbant necessary.  I'm not the type of person to get hysterical about my period and generally have so much going on that once I've changed the tampon I'm not thinking about my period until I really need to change again.  So getting very sick and then finding the dry tampon was quite disconcerting.  In the absense of any real answers, I will simply use common sense and stop using tampons altogether.

[greenpixie]

I'm sorry, but whatever DR you saw is a moron. TSS does not equal instant death.  I went to high school with a girl who got TSS.  I don't know all of the details of her situation, but I know she was out of school for months and when she returned she was in a wheelchair.  She actually got a standing ovation when she was able to walk across the stage for graduation.  Anyway, I would definitely give up on tampons for a while.  They're full of toxins anyway.  If you just really hate pads then look into using the Diva Cup or Instead Cup.  They are not as dangerous as tampons.  Also, make sure you are drinking plenty of water during AF and avoid caffeine.  You might want to make an appt with your regular DR just to be on the safe side.

[monkeyflower]

I'm sorry you felt your doctor humiliated you. However, it really is  extremely unlikely that you have TSS - the risk is only like 1/100,000 women from 15-44. Your symptoms could also be from anxiety - maybe you're concerned about your period changes, the fact that your tampon is dry, etc. I know this feels scary, but I think you're fine :-)

[corykis okay]

I AGREE WITH ABOVE POST ...MAYBE CHANGE TO PADS FOR A WHILE
I USE TO USE TAMPONS ALSO AND ONCE (TMI..SORRY) I LOST ONE COULDNT FIND THE STRING!!!!
SO THAT WAS IT...I WENT TO PADS AND STAYED THERE!

[Donna49]

Everyone's cycle is different.  Some women bleed a lot at the beginning of the week for 2 days and then barely for the remaining week.  

Extreme bleeding where a tampon and napkin needs to be changed every 30 minutes is not hemorraging but very heavy bleeding.  I believe many women become anemic during this time because of their heavy flow and then recover.  The cycle continues every month.

For your bleeding, stopping and starting throughout the week.  We all have had dry tampons and it is uncomfortable to use one during this time.  Buy a box of assorted sizes, there is a slender one (which is great)  If your period is light, you may want to use a thin liner instead.

Too bad about the doctor.  He is the fool.  You have every right to ask this question.  I think just having your period can cause headaches, etc.  And then during mid month, you have reasons for headaches, aches and pains because of ovulation.  What about the week before your period, tender breasts etc.

You see, women go through aches and pains constaintly.  You are aware and that's great.  

And by the way heavy, heavy bleeding is nothing compared to hemorraging.  Hemoragging will include floods of blood coming out, with enormous blood clots, the size of eggs, oranges and grapefruits that break once they hit the toilet water or floor.  Your pants would be soaked from waiste to the floor.