Warning Michelle’s Heart Wrenching Encounter With Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. It’s a topic that demands attention, not just for its medical implications but also for the real-life stories that bring its impact into sharp focus. One such story is that of Michelle (who I went to high school with), who faced the harrowing ordeal of TSS and emerged stronger, with a mission to raise awareness about this often-overlooked condition.

In this article, we delve into Michelle’s journey with TSS, exploring the symptoms she experienced, the challenges she overcame, and the vital lessons she learned along the way. By sharing her story, we hope to shed light on the realities of TSS, empowering readers with the knowledge to recognize and respond to this serious health threat.

Michelle’s Toxic Shock Syndrome Story

Join us as we navigate Michelle’s experience, uncover the critical facts about toxic shock syndrome, and highlight the importance of timely intervention and awareness in combating this in her own words:

My story begins on June 23rd, 2007. I was at a Dance Nationals event in Michigan and had my period. I was diligent about changing my tampon every 2-3 hours, but this time, I decided to try a sports tampon instead of my usual brand. Within days of using the sports tampon, I started feeling nauseous, feverish, and extremely fatigued. Initially, we all thought I had come down with the flu and didn’t think much of it.

I don’t remember much about the ride home or how I managed to drive from my friend’s house to mine. On June 25th, I called to work to say I couldn’t come in. My coworkers said I sounded delirious and not myself. I slept the entire day and had no recollection of anyone coming in or out of my room or trying to get me to eat.

When I woke up on June 26th, I felt much better and was getting ready to go to work when I suddenly started vomiting. My husband insisted that we go to the hospital to get an IV. At the hospital, they started taking my vitals and found my blood pressure was alarmingly low at 70/40, and I had a high fever of 104.6°F, yet I appeared outwardly fine. The next thing I knew, I was in the ER with doctors and nurses bustling around, inserting IVs, and trying to determine what was wrong while my husband called my mom. That was the last thing I remembered.

From what my mom and John (my husband) have told me…

About an hour after they admitted me, my mom arrived and joined John in the waiting room. They were both there when the doctor came out, sat down beside them, and gravely said he didn’t think I’d make it through the night, promising to keep me in his prayers. My mom and husband were in shock. They began calling all our family members to come and say their goodbyes. My brothers tried to drive up and fly in. The doctors were unsure what was wrong, suspecting Rocky Mountain Fever or a bug bite. However, my coworkers mentioned that I was on my period, which led the medical team to consider other possibilities like toxic shock syndrome.

While I was in the ICU at one hospital, a new on-call doctor approached my husband and mom, insisting on transferring me to another hospital where he also worked because they had a dialysis machine I urgently needed. At that point, my organs were starting to shut down, and my body was swelling.

The ambulance ride to the new hospital is a complete blur to me. At the new hospital, they placed me in the ICU, where I remained in a coma with a breathing tube for a week. During that time, I underwent daily dialysis and numerous blood tests. My feet started to turn black, and my hands swelled. The doctors explained this was due to my organs shutting down, and their primary focus was to get my organs functioning again. I was even bleeding from my eyes, a testament to the severity of my condition. My family gathered around, praying for me. I was in countless prayer circles among my family, friends, the dance community, and their extended networks. My grandma held a prayer service for me in her home, as they didn’t want her to see me in such a dire state.

I had gained over 80 pounds from all the medication, and my appearance had drastically changed. The doctors mentioned a $5,000 medication that could help fight the toxic shock syndrome infection ravaging my body. My family didn’t hesitate and agreed to it, regardless of the cost. Within days of receiving this medication, my temperature broke on my mom’s birthday, a turning point in my battle.

I finally woke up on July 3rd, 2007. I remember my cousin Barb talking to me, urging me to wake up, promising they would remove the breathing tube if I did. When I woke up, I surprised everyone by remembering it was my niece’s birthday, especially after being in a coma for a week.

One of the most distressing memories was seeing my bandaged feet. I feared I would never walk or dance again, a devastating thought since dancing had been my passion since childhood. My feet were black, bloody, and swollen, but the doctors assured me they were improving more than they had expected. Over the next 12 days, they changed my bandages and helped me start walking again. I faced a challenging period, learning to do simple tasks like writing my name, getting dressed, and feeding myself. Seeing my reflection for the first time was heartbreaking; my eyes were sunken, blood vessels had burst, my hair was thin, and I looked like a different person.

I walked out with the aid of a cane when they discharged me on July 15th, 2007. My husband had to help with bandage changes and household chores, a role reversal that was hard for me to accept. I visited the doctor weekly until I fully recovered. My feet’s prognosis improved over time, and I was determined to walk, dance, and leap again.

As months passed, my hair started falling out, and my feet gradually improved, although I needed a cane. They put me on mood stabilizers to prevent PTSD. Slowly, I began wearing sneakers, though dance shoes seemed a distant dream. My hair grew curly nine months later, and I returned to my old self. While I couldn’t dance as I used to, I was grateful to have my feet still and could still choreograph for my students.

A year later, I put on tap shoes for a few minutes and gradually regained my strength. By the start of the new dance season, I attempted my first leap in class, a significant milestone that brought tears of joy. The power of prayer, love, and faith helped me reach that point.

Today, I no longer use tampons. My infectious disease doctor advised against it for brief periods to prevent triggering another episode of toxic shock syndrome. I educate my family, friends, and students about the importance of reading labels and being cautious with tampon use. I ensure my students can change their tampons as needed, emphasizing the lesson I learned the hard way.

Five years later, I’m still teaching and adapting to my feet’s condition. I received chiropractic care and had a daughter born in 2010, a blessing my husband and I didn’t expect. I’m grateful for my supportive network and the medical professionals who saved my life.

The photos at the beginning of this post show various phases of my journey: before toxic shock syndrome, during the illness, my hair loss, and the cane my students decorated. They also capture my hair’s regrowth and the unexpected joy of having a child, something we thought was impossible. This journey, though harrowing, has filled me with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.

In sharing Michelle’s story, I want to raise awareness about the dangers of Toxic Shock Syndrome and the importance of being vigilant about our health. Her experience has taught me the value of quick medical intervention, the power of community support, and the resilience of the human spirit. Be mindful of the risks associated with tampon use, listen to your body, and seek immediate medical attention if something feels wrong. Together, we can spread awareness and prevent others from experiencing what Michelle went through.

What is toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins. Super-absorbent tampons often cause it, but it can also occur with other bacterial infections, including wounds or surgery. The bacteria most commonly responsible for TSS are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

What are toxic shock syndrome symptoms?

Symptoms of TSS can develop rapidly and may include:

• High fever (sudden onset)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on the palms and soles
• Confusion
• Muscle aches
• Redness of eyes, mouth, and throat
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Vomiting and diarrhea

TSS is a medical emergency, so seek immediate medical attention if you suspect symptoms.

What causes toxic shock syndrome?

TSS occurs when bacteria enter the body and release toxins. These toxins can cause severe damage to tissues and organs. The most common causes are:

• Tampon use, particularly super-absorbent types left in place for too long
• Skin infections, such as cuts, burns, or surgical wounds
• Use of contraceptive sponges or diaphragms
• Childbirth
• Infections after surgery

What are some toxic shock syndrome treatments?

Treatment typically includes:

• Immediate hospitalization
• Antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection
• Intravenous fluids to treat shock and prevent organ damage
• Medications to stabilize blood pressure
• Measures to remove the source of infection (e.g., removing tampons, draining wounds)

How can you prevent TSS?

Preventive measures include:

• Changing tampons frequently (every 4-8 hours)
• Using the lowest absorbency tampon necessary
• Avoiding tampons entirely if you have a history of TSS
• Following proper wound care techniques
• Keeping surgical sites clean and monitoring for signs of infection

If this article interests you, check out these six tips to prevent UTIs.