Logan Dyssel from Secunda is to undergo third heart operation in January
Logan Dyssel (9) will undergo his third open heart surgery on January 26, 2023.
SECUNDA – Young Logan Dyssel (9), born with a heart defect, will undergo his third open-heart surgery on January 26.
A recent cardiac catheterisation determined that the only functioning valve is taking tremendous strain and being overworked due to his other valve that is damaged.
The doctors wanted to operate now in December, however, the family requested January as they need to raise money for transport and accommodation for his parents while he undergoes his operation and recovery.
It is also unknown if Logan’s medical aid will cover all costs. His first open-heart surgery was at the age of seven months in 2014 and cost nearly R11.6 million.
The medical aid covered most of his procedure, however, there were shortfalls that his parents had to pay for.
In 2019 he had his second open-heart surgery. Again the medical aid covered most expenses but there were shortfalls his parents had to pay.
“His doctor has recommended a new valve on the market that is said to be very good and can run for up to eight years,” said mother Sammy Dyssel.
She said they still need to hear if the medical aid is going to cover this new type of valve. Besides all his challenges, Logan did well in his academic year at Mariejie School and received an award for art.
His parents decided to keep him out of school due to his high-risk health conditions and proneness to infections.
“He can not afford to get an infection now. Last year he picked up bacteria from an infection caught through a sore he got when he fell.
“The bacteria attacked the valve, weakening it. That is why this surgery is now needed,” said Sammy.
She explained that if it was not for the bacteria, Logan could have gone for another three years on the current valve.
Any cuts or slight infection can be catastrophic for Logan. Even going to the dentist for his teeth to be cleaned would require a three-day antibiotic treatment beforehand.
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Besides his heart condition, Logan is completely deaf. It is not known why, but Logan only consumes white meats such as fish and chicken. He also loves bread.
His parents have tried numerous times to introduce red meats, vegetables and fruits but he just can not eat them.
“We don’t know if his taste buds are different than ours. Our ears, eyes and nose run together. We don’t know if this is a reaction to his hearing impairment, but he will not consume any other foods.”
“Even sweets or chocolate are a no-no for Logan,” said his mother Sammy.
Logan is also now at the age where he is asking questions about his scars.
“If he does not feel well, he communicates this by showing us he has a fever or his head is sore.
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“A while back he pointed out his scars and then to his father’s chest. His father explained in sign language that it was a procedure done to him to fix his heart.
“When we found out Logan is deaf, our medical did not cover the costs of a cochlear implant and money had to be raised for the implant.
“Unfortunately, Logan does not want to use the cochlear, so we have resorted to sign language for now,” said Sammy.
All of Logan’s treatment and operations are done at Sunninghill Hospital in Sandton. There is a trust for Logan’s hearing impairment, but these funds can not be used for his heart surgery.
The family is in the process of opening a trust for his upcoming surgery.
For more information on his fund or donations, contact Pippa Solomon (grandmother) on WhatsApp on 073 279 2448 or you can call her on 060 994 0552.
You can also contact Sammy Dyssel on 071 485 3585.
