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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To leave a tampon in for 3 days?

116 replies

Tiddlywinkly · 27/12/2021 20:08

Sorry, posting for traffic. I'm freaking out. Any medics around please? TMI warning.

I went for a run xmas afternoon and I forgot to take out my tampon. There was no string that I could see to prompt me and it was towards the end of my flow.

I developed a cold on xmas day and I've had one since. I can't smell a lot, but I kept smelling something 'off' and asked dh multiple times, but he said there wasn't. There's been browny/black blood droplets which I thought was odd.

Anyway, cut to tonight and I thought I would check and there was a tampon in me which had lost its string. I've managed to get it out and I'm sat in the bath.

Other than a cold, I've had no temperature or anything. I'm so shocked. First time in 30 years this has occurred. Has this happened to anyone else? Am I out of the woods for TSS? Any advice welcomed thank you.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tiddlywinkly · 27/12/2021 20:08

Run was Xmas eve afternoon

OP posts:
SpiderFluff · 27/12/2021 20:09

Phone 111 and ask them they'll help

BobbieT1999 · 27/12/2021 20:10

I think most people have done this before. Keep an eye out for symptoms and if any occur seek medical advice but don't let yourself worry in the meantime.

Hunnybun17 · 27/12/2021 20:10

Not a medic, but I would be freaking out. Call 111 to see what they say, either they will put your mind at rest or direct you to most appropriate course of action. Hope you're okay OP

furbabymama87 · 27/12/2021 20:10

Same thing happened to my sister. She gave birth to a "black dead mouse" in the bath. She was fine but you're best getting medical advice.

YouCantTourniquetTheTaint · 27/12/2021 20:11

As you've got a cold, in coincidence with the tampon, I'd phone the non emergency line and see what they say, as TSS symptoms include having flu like symptoms. Better overreact, than the alternative. Flowers

BendyWendyCheesyFeet · 27/12/2021 20:12

This has happened to me once as well. I was so freaked out and worried too but apart from that I had no symptoms to worry about and life carried on as normal. I hope all is good for you too, but do call 111 if you're worried.

FlamesEmbersAshes · 27/12/2021 20:14

As you have a cold, I think you need to phone 111 for your own peace of mind. TSS can manifest with flu like symptoms and it’s best to err on the side of caution.

stmw123 · 27/12/2021 20:19

I'm a student midwife (no expert!) but I wouldn't worry unless you had a high temp, abnormal heart rate or other signs of infection.

I think most of us have done similar at some point! I wouldn't get further help if it was me, but I'm sure lots of others would.

I think most medically qualified people are tough as nails and don't seek help when most other people would, because they know they're probably fine.

Georgeskitchen · 27/12/2021 20:19

This happened to me many years ago. Pretty sure it was about a week before I realised. I kept smelling an unpleasant smell. In the I investigated and ended up pulling out.......well I don't need to tell you!! I never gave Tss any thought at the time (not sure I even knew about it!!) I was fine and no ill effects

RedRobin100 · 27/12/2021 20:22

I think something like this happened me once. It was so weird!
Can’t remember the details exactly or how long it had been “lost”
I Was totally fine though. No symptoms to be concerned about - just a bit 😳

Celoa · 27/12/2021 20:25

This has happened to me many years ago! I was fine, if a little shocked.

There's no harm in phoning 111 to put your mind at rest.

BrightYellowDaffodil · 27/12/2021 20:25

TSS is incredibly rare but I can understand why you’re worried. However, as PPs have said, most of us do it at some point and we’ve been fine. But if you’re worried I’d give 111 a call.

gamerchick · 27/12/2021 20:25

Nothing you've said would make me want to seek medical attention. It's out now, just keep an eye out. Toxic shock you would know about.

OnceuponaRainbow18 · 27/12/2021 20:25

As you have a cold I would call 111 and ask their advice

4pmwinetimebebeh · 27/12/2021 20:27

You are fine don’t panic! If you feel well you don’t need to do anything. I am a nurse and have fished out a few tampons when examining patients for an unusual smell/discharge. Often their period was 3 weeks past! TSS is rare and not a given if you leave it in too long.

2022beesknees · 27/12/2021 20:28

I did this! I was fine. Just keep checking your temperature.

SirensofTitan · 27/12/2021 20:30

I know TSS is rare but really, why is this an AIBU with voting Confused

Do you think this is something that some posters might be doing on purpose?

WonderfulYou · 27/12/2021 20:31

I’ve never done this myself but as a PP said unless you have a high temp then there’s nothing to worry about.

However I would ring 111 to be on the safe side and they might say ring back if X or Y happens.

I think TSS happens to people because they’re more prone to it as the stories I’ve read are that they had them in for less than the maximum time. So I think you would have become ill by now.

SpiderFluff · 27/12/2021 20:32

Please don't rely on people here saying you'll be fine. Speak to someone you know is trained.

ShirleyPhallus · 27/12/2021 20:35

This has happened to me, once I even had sex with one in cos I was drunk and then it stayed in for a few days. What I birthed was revolting.

I wouldn’t worry unless you’ve got signs of TSS

Cas112 · 27/12/2021 20:36

I did this for almost a week, thought I had pulled a tampon out drunk and I hadn't. I went to the toilet almost a week later and something was pushing itself out of me. It was the tampon, luckily I was fine and nothing happened. I rang 111 and they advised me to keep an eye on feeling ill and a temperature ect. I would advise to do the same as well ring them just to be on the safe side but try not to worry to much

Violetroselily · 27/12/2021 20:36

I left one in by mistake for 3 or 4 days, was fine (apart from being utterly repulsed).

If you start to feel unwell, call 111

Stompythedinosaur · 27/12/2021 20:40

Modern tampons don't have the same risk of TSS as they used to. I wouldn't do anything unless you start to feel more unwell.

Seeingadistance · 27/12/2021 20:40

Thank your lucky stars that your sense of smell is rubbish just now!

I’ve done this several times, and once had to go to GP surgery for help removing it! The nurse there insisted on antibiotics, just in case. If you feel ok, I’d wait till morning then phone GP.