Logan Dyssel (7) from Secunda needs third heart surgery
Paramedics were called to the house and Logan was rushed to Netcare Sunninghill Hospital.
After having his second open heart surgery in September 2019, young Logan Dyssel (7) is now being prepared for a third.
Logan was born by emergency C-Section in October 2013, in Polokwane, because the ambilocal cord had wrapped around his neck and legs.
At that time, his parents had no clue about heart complications.
Not even a week after Logan was born, his grandmother became concerned about Logan’s breathing. He was also turning blue.
Logan’s parents, Mr Jaco and Ms Sammy Dyssel rushed their son to their doctor who advised them to immediately take Logan to the Netcare Sunninghill Hospital.
His heart rate was extremely high and oxygen levels dangerously low.
“Tests were done almost immediately and we were told he has cardiac complications,” said Ms Dyssel.
She said the doctors wanted to wait for surgery because of his weight, but due to his condition, surgery was the only option and had to be done as soon as possible.
At the age of seven months, Logan had his first open-heart surgery.
Not long after this, Logan lost his hearing. He is completely deaf and cannot talk.
Logan received his cochlear implant just before the age of four.
Till today the cause of his hearing loss is not known. He also had brain damage.
“At the age of three, his brain damage was gone. We can only describe this as a miracle. Doctors confirmed that he has complete brain function,” said Ms Dyssel.
He only began walking at the age of four years.
“We would take him for walks in a special walking ring until one day he got frustrated and began walking on his own.”
Ms Dyssel said that even though he can not balance properly or run, just the fact that he can walk is a miracle on its own as doctors had no hope of him ever being able to walk.
In 2019 Logan went for his second open-heart surgery.
“Logan became very ill. Doctors discovered that the valve in Logan’s heart had been leaking for two years and that surgery had to be done,” said Ms Dyssel.
Logan recovered from surgery and at the beginning of this year, he was enrolled at Marietjie School.
“He did exceptionally well in school. Most of his marks were sevens, except for his speech. He is our angel child,” said Ms Dyssel.
Logan is described as a friendly child. He does not play outside because he is scared of getting hurt.
Ms Dyssel explain that because of his health, the slightest scratch or open wound can cause an infection.
Logan suffers from high heart palpitations and because of this, he is on permanent heart medication.
“Logan recently began throwing up every day and showing signs of high fever. At first, we thought it was the medicine and consulted his doctor about this.
“We stopped his heart medication, which in the beginning looked as if it was helping until Logan became ill again,” said Ms Dyssel.
Ms Dyssel, Logan and her two other sons, Zayden (10) and George (5) were visiting family in Johannesburg and had chosen to spend the night there.
A shivering Logan woke up his mom in the evening and showed her that he needed to use the toilet.
“After going to the toilet he climbed into bed next to me, I could feel how he was shivering. He tugged on me and showed me that he wanted to throw up.
“I took him back to the bathroom and while he was throwing up, I noticed his feet were extremely blue,” said Ms Dyssel.
She said his oxygen levels were at 75 and his heartbeat was 240bpm.
Paramedics were called to the house and Logan was rushed to Netcare Sunninghill Hospital.
After being admitted tests were done and it was found that Logan had caught an infection and that the valve in his heart is now leaking again.
“Doctors said he has a huge infection in the heart valve. This was caused by an infection in the heart valve they inserted previously.”
Ms Dyssel said Logan needs to stay in hospital for six weeks. He is currently on antibiotics to help get rid of the infection.
Once doctors are happy with his recovery, Logan will be undergoing his third open-heart surgery to replace the valve.
“Doctors want to avoid the surgery for as long as possible,” said Ms Dyssel.
In the meantime, both parents take turns in staying with Logan at the hospital.
Even though the Dyssels are on medical aid, there has been additional levies.
Logan is currently being attended to by a cardiologist, neurologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist and an eye and nose specialist but to name a few.
Costs of travelling to and from Johannesburg is adding up as well as the provision of food while either parent is with Logan in hospital.
Mr Dyssel is making wristbands to sell for extra income for these unexpected costs.
The family is calling out to the community for any donation.
Banking details are: SC Solomon
Capitec – Savings
Account number: 1455352932
Ref: Logan Dyssel
You can also follow Logan’s Facebook page (Logan Dyssel Prayer) through the following link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071983634258
