A Wilgeheuwel mother is warning parents about the dangers of magnetic beads after her eight-year-old son underwent emergency surgery when he accidentally swallowed several magnets while playing.

Hudson van Wyk, a Grade Three learner at Weltevreden Park Primary School, spent seven days in ICU and another two days in a paediatric ward following the incident.

According to his mother, Roxy, Hudson swallowed eight small magnetic beads attached to a metal nut on April 1 while building a toy car at home.

“He had seen the trend of using these magnets as fake nose rings, tongue rings and lip piercings. He thought it was cool how they moved,” she said.

Roxy explained that Hudson had placed several magnetic beads inside his mouth while using another magnet on the outside of his cheek to control them.

“The magnets suddenly shifted toward the back of his throat. He became startled and swallowed them,” she said. She added that Hudson did not immediately tell anyone what had happened and continued with his day as normal.

About 24 hours later, he began complaining of abdominal pain. Because of his medical history, including prematurity, chronic constipation and reflux, the family initially believed it was related to his existing health conditions.

Over the next two weeks, Hudson experienced intermittent stomach pain and chest discomfort, but there were no obvious signs of a blockage.

“During this entire time, he was still passing stool regularly,” Roxy said.

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On April 16, Hudson’s condition worsened when he developed severe stabbing pain under his ribs. The following day, the family visited their GP, who sent them for an X-ray.

“The X-ray revealed multiple magnetic beads attached to a nut inside his body,” she said.

Hudson was rushed to Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery performed by paediatric surgeon Dr MJ Human and Dr Simba Gonyora.

“What was expected to be a minimally invasive procedure turned into a four-and-a-half-hour emergency laparotomy.”

Doctors informed the family that multiple swallowed magnets can attract each other through the walls of the intestines, causing perforations, infections, severe internal injuries, and even death.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Roxy said doctors told the family they were fortunate.

“We are among the lucky ones,” she expressed. Hudson is continuing his recovery at home and remains unable to participate in physical activities while healing.

Roxy hopes sharing the family’s experience will help create awareness. “These magnets are not toys,” she said. “If sharing this story prevents even one child from going through this ordeal, it will be worth it.”

She also thanked all the staff involved in her son’s case till the end.