Toxic Shock Syndrome Basic Facts
Toxic Shock Syndrome develops when the common bacteria, Staphylococcus Aureus, produce a toxin which is absorbed into the bloodstream. The toxin rapidly overwhelms the immune system and attacks the major organs, leading to kidney failure, collapse of the lungs and in severe cases, cardiac arrest. Alarmingly, half of all known cases of Toxic Shock are women using TAMPONS. Symptoms of TSS Sore throat Aching muscles High temperature; over 102 degrees … Read More
Amy’s Story
Amy was a healthy 20 year old, whose symptoms were initially very mild and did not cause any undue concern. On Wednesday afternoon prior to her death, she developed a fever and began vomiting. After an ibuprofen, her temperature quickly returned to normal. She assumed a flu bug had run its course. Amy was able to chat on her computer and watch TV that night, she went to sleep easily. Thursday morning, Amy felt somewhat better; her vomiting had ended, … Read More
Project Shocking
In Loving Memory of Amy Rae Elifritz 1989-2010 I am the mother of a 20 year old girl that died in June from Toxic Shock Syndrome. My daughter was using a Playtex tampon. I've been doing an inordinate amount of research since her death in June, and have been sending out information daily via a pamphlet I authored with help from a PhD. known nationally for his research of Toxic Shock Syndrome. I also have been utilizing social networking and visiting … Read More
Kelly’s Story
My name is Kelly and I’m 29 years old. My story began on December 18, 2005. I woke up not feeling well, but just felt like I had the flu so I called in sick to work. As day 2 came, I was feeling much worse, very dizzy, tired, throwing up, short of breath, my heart felt like it was beating out of my chest. I was just nearing the end of my period that day, and I knew with the dizziness I was feeling it wasn't smart to drive so I … Read More
Blog Project
SHARE YOUR STORY - We are looking for women just like you who have stopped using traditional tampons and started relying on healthier alternatives. Allow the power of your story to inspire others to consider making a similar shift. Submission Guidelines - Creativity is welcome! Submit your story in the body of an e-mail or as MS Word document (1000 words or less) along with your photo and (optional) a brief bio to Suzan, You ARE Loved's Director of Connectivity (suzan @ you-are-loved.org without any spaces). Accepted content will be published on … Read More...
Latest Blog Project Participants
Kelly’s Story
My name is Kelly and I’m 29 years old. My story began on December 18, 2005. I woke up not feeling well, but just felt like I had the flu so I called in sick to work. As day 2 came, I was feeling much worse, very dizzy, tired, throwing up, short of breath, my heart felt like it was beating out of my chest. I was just nearing the end of … Read More...
Why I Stopped Using Tampons
A guest post by DeAnna Lam I remember seeing a popular tampon ad when I was a girl in Israel, which said: “With tampons – every day of the month is the same!” At the time I thought it was a great thing. Wow! I thought, imagine that! This was when my Mom still didn't allow me to use tampons, saying I was too young. This left me feeling small, even … Read More...
No More Tampons or TSS Worries
A guest post by Ashley MacInnis January 2012 was a pivotal month for me. At 24 years old, I was bidding farewell to an almost five-year-long relationship, which had stemmed to a five-month-old marriage. A single mum who had lost herself in her relationship and motherhood duties, I felt like a ghost of myself. Devastated at the loss of my relationship, I … Read More...
My Period, My Way
A guest post by Kerry Sauriol I was “lucky” and was a bit of a late bloomer when it came to getting my period. My mother sagely exclaimed that ‘I was a woman now,’ and handed me this atrocious book about how our bodies worked. My mom used pads, and therefore so did I. I honestly don’t recall discussing alternative or periods with anyone … Read More...
Stories
Michelle’s Story
My story starts on June 23rd, 2007. I was at a Dance Nationals in Michigan. I had my period and … Read More...
Gavrielle’s Story
My name is Gavrielle and I am now 16 years old. On November 8, 2011, I came home … Read More...
Julie’s Story
My name is Julie and I am 17. On October 31st, when I was 15, I found my life was going to … Read More...
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