TSS can develop in as little as 2 hours.  It's important to alternate tampons with pads and not use tampons exclusively.  By alternating tampons and pads you give time for your body to deal with any toxin that may be present.  If you continually use tampon after tampon after tampon you provide a constant breeding ground for the bacteria that produce the toxin that causes TSS.  While it's true that fever is a good indicator of infection, people can be quite ill and not run much fever at all.  If you are using tampons and develop anything out of the ordinary, check with your doctor.  If you exhibit any flu like symptoms while menstruating and using tampons, remove the tampon, bag it and take it with you when you see a doctor.

 Did you take your temperature (or have it taken)?  And if so, did you have a fever?  They say fever is one of the most common symptoms of TSS, so if you have a fever (or think you have a fever), GO TO THE DOCTOR!!!!!!  I'm not a medical professional, but I still think it's a good Idea to go to the doctor even if you don't have a fever, because you could still have it.

How long did you have the tampon in? I've heard you are "supposed" to change your tampon every 2-3 hours to prevent TSS. But I wonder what length of time will be the most likely you could develp TSS...?

Hi Dora,

Do you have the tampon you removed? If so, place it in a sandwich type bag and take it with you.  It's my understanding that there is no true test for TSS.  They can check you for bacterial infection (blood, urine and vaginally) to see if you have one, but sometimes that comes back negative.  Symptoms of TSS include low blood pressure and flu like symptoms.  Your blood pressure and temp will be taken and if  your blood pressure is normal you will probably be pronounced "fine" as far as TSS is concerned.  When you go to the ER insist that you think you have TSS and share with them what you shared in this post - on your period, using tampons, got sick and then sicker, removed tampon and began to feel better, etc.  My advice is not to use tampons for the remainder of this period - and for others as well. I know that's a lot to ask but it's important.  If what you are experiencing is TSS related you could develop problems again and become much worse.  There's a great TSS website http://you-are-loved.org that can give you oodles of info about TSS.  Don't be afraid to go to the ER.  Don't be afraid to insist on being checked for TSS.  And, don't use tampons.  There are safer options - pads and menstrual cups.