[Lexibella]

(This is full of gross details, I apologize!) Ok so my last period ended around June 23. Ever since I have had brown discharge that had a strange metallicy type smell to it. It was driving me crazy...I couldn't for the life of me figure out what was going on. Just now I went to the restroom and was going number two (ugh so much detail, I know!) when all of the sudden I felt something weird and look down to see something brown coming out of my vagina. I freaked out and rushed to the sink to get a cup to fish it out and inspect....it was an old tampon!! I have no idea how it got lost in me and I didn't realize it, but my period was nearly 3 weeks ago. I am sooo freaked out right now!! I never even imagined that was what was causing the discharge. Has anyone else had this happen!? I can't even imagine what will happen after leaving a tampon in for 3 weeks...I'm so scared. Help!

[WildChild]

It happens, probably more often than is realised. The danger with this is Toxic Shock Syndrome. Watch out for fever, headaches, runny bowels, rash, red eyes, throat or vagina. See a doctor immediately if you get symptoms.

Many people's bodies are quite able to resist it, so don't panic.
For the future - no tampons at night and try to keep track that you always remove them within four hours.

[TWills32]

I have had that happen to me, actually. Unless you start to feel really ill, you should be fine. Just watch your symptoms, like WC mentioned above. I turned out fine. You probably would have developed TSS by now, though. So, I think you'll be okay