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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:
MigAndMog · 27/12/2021 20:44

If the cold symptoms worsen, especially any kind of temperature or anything that feels more like flu, a headache, nausea or muscle pain, I'd be seeking medical help if I were you.

incognitodorrito · 27/12/2021 20:45

I did this a few months ago and had to get it taken out at the walk in centre as I couldn’t reach it in the bath. It had been there for weeks and was the worst smell ever. Mortified. Was given antibiotics just incase.

CrocodilesCry · 27/12/2021 20:45

As long as you feel well, TSS is unlikely.
You do need a PCR for the cold/lack of smell symptoms.

Starcup · 27/12/2021 20:47

@furbabymama87

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.
I properly laughed out loud at this! 😂
maryzx · 27/12/2021 20:47

A forgotten tampon once surprised me by falling out of me (cervical prolapse means things aren't as tight as they were). I think gravity did its work. It was fine, other than that I am now very careful not to forget them!

Frazzled2207 · 27/12/2021 20:47

I’ve done this. Can’t remember how long I left it in for but I think it was longer than you 🤢. Was grim but once I’d got it out all was well.

DukeofEarlGrey · 27/12/2021 20:49

Cold symptoms are very different from TSS symptoms and it doesn't sound like you have any of those. TSS is a rare occurrence that can happen if a tampon is left in but it's still highly unlikely to. Obviously don't depend on the internet for medical advice but I think this is just a bit gross rather than worrying, OP - and we have all done it!

SunshineCake1 · 27/12/2021 20:50

@stmw123

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.

Your last paragraph is very unhelpful and a bit silly.
momtoboys · 27/12/2021 20:56

That happened to a friend and she ended up going to the doctor for the odor. Doctor said it happens all the time Hope your sickness gets better.

Lex345 · 27/12/2021 21:08

The good news is you have taken the tampon on OP. However, I would err on the side of caution and ring 111 for advice.

Lex345 · 27/12/2021 21:09

Out not on 🙄

Benjispruce5 · 27/12/2021 21:15

Keep an eye out for for symptoms. My sister left one in for over a week! She had no idea and went to gp about a smell. Envy it was sideways and was hard to remove. Sister was absolutely fine after so don’t panic if you feel ok.

speakout · 27/12/2021 21:16

I would take a covid yesy - no smell and cold like symptoms need to be checked.

Benjispruce5 · 27/12/2021 21:16

Yes LFT is your port of call.

Nocutenamesleft · 27/12/2021 21:21

I’ve got medical background

I’d definitely get medical advice. If you can speak to anyone. Then go to A and E. though TSS is rare. It’s life threading and not to be messed around with. The drs won’t be cross. They’d more than likely check it and hopefully it’s all ok.

Hankunamatata · 27/12/2021 21:24

Get some medical advise asap and take an lft.

AnAverageMum · 27/12/2021 21:29

You’re fine. I did this, must of been there for weeks 😳 I went to the GP with random spotting & he had a look… need I say more? Envy

Fluffycloudland77 · 27/12/2021 21:29

It’s better to be safe than sorry so ring and get advice. That’s what the service is there for.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 27/12/2021 21:32

Agree with pp - I've accidentally done this once (somehow wedged it sideways up high against my cervix so couldn't feel it until it moved down slightly and I noticed a smell Blush) - and when speaking to a nurse in the family, apparently it happens to lots of women!

Do keep checking your temp occasionally but I wouldn't panic as TSS is still statistically unlikely. If anything, you are more likely to get a vaginal infection and this can be treated with antibiotics from the GP/nurse - so try to get a appointment if you notice different discharge to normal continuing and/or things still smell "off" now the tampons out.

Winniemarysarah · 27/12/2021 21:32

@stmw123

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.

There’s absolutely no way that this person is medically trained in any way, so please ignore this.
JulesRimetStillGleaming · 27/12/2021 21:41

I left a menstrual cup in far longer than that. Grim. I told my GP and he couldn't have been less plussed. He is pretty much always non plussed about everything I tell him. I survived though. It was a few years ago.

Hairyfriend · 27/12/2021 21:43

This happened to me earlier this year and also the 1st time in 30ish years of menstruating! Blush

It had got wedged sideways against my cervix. The smell and pink spotting for days after my period should have finished was the clue. I had to squat as low as possible and bit by bit, managed to get it out.

With cold like symptoms, I'd do a LFT and speak to 111. I had no fever or other symptoms at the time and had no issues since. I did check my temp daily for a few days though.

RobertaFirmino · 27/12/2021 21:44

@SirensofTitan

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?

Oh don't be ridiculous, it's clearly an oversight.
waterlego · 27/12/2021 21:47

This happened to me too, years ago. It got lost up there. Maybe wedged sideways or the string fell off or something. I think it was up there for about 3 days, during which time I was continuing to use tampons so had the old one in plus another which was being changed regularly. Discovered it eventually. It was very unpleasant but didn’t make me ill, luckily. Surprised to see this has happened to so many of us actually!

I use a mooncup these days and I’ve found it’s also possible to forget about that at the end of a period. But it doesn’t smell as bad as a forgotten/lost tampon!

Mammyloveswine · 27/12/2021 21:48

@BobbieT1999

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.
I certainly havent! But i think its more common than youd think.

Op keep an eye out for the signs of TSS. Bless you!

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