Student diagnosed of deadly 'toxic shock' after leaving sanitary pad in for 9 days

16:13 - 24 February 2016

A student who thought she was stressed because of her final exam was actually suffering from toxic shock syndrome – after forgetting to remove a tampon for NINE days.

A student who thought she was stressed because of her final exam was actually suffering from toxic shock syndrome – after forgetting to remove a tampon for NINE days. Mirror UK reported.

Emily Pankhurst, 20, was in intensive care for three days and she is unable to return full time to her university.

Emily who has been diagnosed of toxic shock syndrome can no longer walk for long distances.

Speaking out to warn other of the dangers of toxic shock syndrome and sepsis, Emily said: “I forgot my Tampon in me for 9 days and when I finally realised and pulled it out it was pure black.

“It was obviously coated in bacteria."

She added that: “It was horrible, i fainted and rushed to the hospital by ambulance."

Emily originally put the tampon in during her period in January – but stressed about studying forgot she had done this and inserted another one.

There have been high profile cases of people who have died after using tampons and Emily knows she is luck to be alive.

“I hope my story can help others like myself to take care of your health and not take your life for granted because you never know what might be around the corner."

“One theory is that if a tampon is left in your vagina for some time, as is often the case with the more absorbent types of tampons, it can become a breeding ground for the bacteria.