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
Janelle’s Story
On March 16, 2004, I was 14 years old when in the evening I was working on a science project and suddenly got flu like symptoms, vomiting, headache and an upset stomach. I was sick all night and reassured my mom that it was just flu and I would be fine to take part in the science fair that afternoon at school. I was still sick that afternoon and into that evening of March 17th I started to vomit up a black substance. My mom phoned the Health Line, where … Read More
Blog Project
ATTENTION BLOGGERS & VLOGGERS - We need your help to raise awareness QUESTION: Did you know that tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome is real, relatively common, and can be deadly? OUR STORY: When 20 year old Amy Rae Elifritz (the ARE in You ARE Loved) experienced flu-like symptoms last summer the fact that she was menstruating seemed unimportant. A few days later, on June 13, 2010, she died from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Lisa Elifritz, Amy’s mom, founded the non-profit You ARE Loved to help raise awareness about the link between tampons … Read More...
Latest Blog Project Participants
Holly & Charisse on Tampons & TSS
Holly and Charisse are two moms committed to discussing real issues girls face while growing up. Check out their Life, Laugh, Latte site and their YouTube channel for topics including bullying, dating, eating disorders, and periods. Since they talk more about periods than any other topic, it is fitting that their latest video focuses on Toxic Shock … Read More...
Suzan’s Earth Friendly Period Piece
Eco-Crazy Mom has designated April as the month for her earth-friendly period event. Suzan, You ARE Loved's Director of Connectivity, writes a guest post sharing her story as a TSS survivor and earth-friendly menstrual activist. Check it out and see what you can learn. … Read More...
A Friend’s Perspective on TSS
Catie Rix lost her friend Amy Rae Elifritz to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) in 2010. Now Catie is working to raise awareness of TSS. Please take a few minutes to check out her post on Her Campus, then share it with family and friends. Catie shares just how common TSS is today: "Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a major concern and while contrary to … Read More...
Fit Bottomed Mamas Talk Tampons
Jenn and Erin of Fit Bottomed Mamas believe "it’s not about the number on the scale or size of your bottom;" it's about health living. Erin does more than just acknowledge she has quickly thrown away the TSS info in a tampon box time after time, she introduces an article to help raise awareness. Click here to read the full piece, which is written by … Read More...
Stories
Sarah’s Story
My name is Sarah Davis, and I survived TSS when I was 15 years old. I will be 24 in March 2012. … Read More...
Shenikwa’s Story
When I was a college student I decided to use tampons in conjunction with pantyliners. I had … Read More...
Katelyn’s Story
When I was 17, I almost lost my life from menstrual toxic shock from a tampon. My story … Read More...
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