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What Are The Repercussions Of Leaving A Tampon On For 3 Weeks?

Posted on Tue, 27 Jun 2017

Question: I found a lost tampon after 3 weeks of spotting brown. It came out at the bottom. I felt sick to my stomach yesterday morning when it happened. Went to doctor, took urine test - was clear. Then they took a swab and said vagina was clean. Smell gone and now normal discharge. I am just so scared of tss. I have abdominal like period cramps since a few days. What should I do? Is it serious?

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
not TSS

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Once the vaginal swab culture and the urine culture is negative and clean there is no bacterial infection , proved, so TSS is unlikely. There exists no high grade fever , headache, severe vomiting with bodyache . The present abdominal ache could might as well be the PMS symptoms indicating that your menses shall be due soon. You may observe yourself for few days and can opt for NSAIDS or antispasmodics to relieve the pain.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Sameer Kumar (14 minutes later)

I am only due my menstrual cycle in 10 days. I have had these cramps for 4 days. I am waiting for swab test to come back. Urine clear and now normal discharge. It's only the cramps that bother me and fact that I found this lost tampon scared me. What is the likelihood that I can contract tss now? Are there any other tests I should do? Maybe it's me being paranoid but prefer to ask. Kind regards.

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Blood culture

Detailed Answer:
well the next best test you can opt for is a blood culture which can easily detect any bacterial infection caused by the old tampon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Sameer Kumar (20 minutes later)

What is the likelihood of tss developing?

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
answered

Detailed Answer:
you should be prophylactically placed on antibiotics for a week to cover up for any chances of continued infection . You should discuss it with your doctor. If it woudl have been TSS, then it would manifested already.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sameer Kumar (3 days later)

Swab came back clear and so did urine test. Blood count normal, CRP 0.5 on the right it says 0.2-5.
I have been giving Amoclav 250/125 for 7 days.
I still have cramps.
Is there any likelyhood I can develop TSS or is it in my mind? I am due my menses normally on the 2nd of XXXXXXX That is the only symptom I have right now and upper leg muscle stiffness, little dizzy spells but that could be due to amoclav?
Should I continue the Amoclav (on it since 3 days) ?
I am sorry if I sound paranoid, I am so scared of developing a deadly infection.

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Answered

Detailed Answer:
hello,
With CRP report coming as negative,TSS is completely ruled out. you may take AMOXYCLAV for complete 7days course as you have already started on it.
Just increase your water intake for the day and the muscle stiffness and cramps should get relieved.
regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Sameer Kumar (8 days later)

I took the Amoxyclav course. Ended Friday. I got my monthly cycle Thursday and had really horrible cramps which I never get. I took nurofen and feminax too. Cramps now nearly gone, light flow, no discharge but have bad right back pain which again I am relieving with nurofen and voltarol. Stiff muscles and slightly lightheaded. Could I have gotten still an infection at this stage from the lost tampon 2 weeks ago?
I know all tests were clear, but could it change in this time? Is it normal that I have such a painful period this time around and should I be concerned about the back pain? low abdomen is only tender if I press on it. I appologise in advance if I seem paranoid, this experience really scared me.

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
answered

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
SORRY FOR late reply,
But you really have no need to worry regarding TSS anymore. With results negative and you having taken a course of amoxyclav, you are safe. The flow of blood and pain/ cramps in abdomen pertaining to uterus are unrelated to tampon usage and infection. The flow and contraction during menses are hormone dependent and not infection dependent, so relax.
Considering the amount of stress that you have gone through last few weeks the menses were likely to be dysmenorrhoeic and likely heavy as well. Just watch your next menses. For your backache, use hot fomentation now and also keep yourself well hydrated.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Sameer Kumar (5 hours later)

Thank you. I am taking solpadeine for back.

I also have dry mouth and stiff leg muscles since yesterday and little lightheaded. I took pharmaton active life yesterday as thought a multi vitamin would help. I just noticed it has ginseng g115 in it. Could this give me side effects and if so how long would they subside?
I thought taking a tonic would be beneficial?

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
answered

Detailed Answer:
No, it will not cause any side effect at all. the key would still be increasing your water intake and maintaining your electrolytes levels

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sameer Kumar (42 hours later)

I had to go to doc with bad cramps again. Urine again showed small trace of white blood cells. She put me on 5 days of cifox 250mg. I have had 3 urine tests in past weeks that showed traces but when sent to lab all came back clear? She didn't send this one and told me to have another one 2 days after finishing the antibiotics.
I had a pelvic ultrasound that was clear today. 3 wise ago had an upper abdomen one that was clear too. Backache gone but started having slight brown discharge and light cramps and slightly lightheaded at times.
Should I get another swab done or would this be part of a uti? Or any other tests?

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
answered

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You may get a urine culture test done to check out and isolate the causative organism and its sensitivity to particular antibiotic which shall help in preventing recurrent UTIs in your case.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D