“I’ve never heard of Ventricular Septal Defects (VSD) and now I’m never going to forget.” Those are the words of a mother from Eldorado Park whose baby girl has recently been diagnosed with VDS.
VDS is a hole between the two pumping chambers of the heart. The result of this hole is that some of the blood returning from the lungs, which should be pumped to the body, is instead pumped back to the lungs.
The effects of a VSD depend on the type of VSD, how large the hole is, and whether there are additional problems with the heart.
In one-year-old baby Cassandra’s case, the hole in her heart is so large that it causes shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. Another symptom is poor growth in childhood.
Cassandra hasn’t picked up weight since birth. “This scared me, I went to the local clinic countless times and about a week ago they transferred me to Baragwanath hospital.
This is when I realised that there must be something seriously wrong with my baby” said Althea van Rooyen, baby Cassandra’s mother.
On arrival, the doctors immediately attended to Cassandra, they conducted various tests and scans which all confirmed that a hole was present. “I was shattered, I couldn’t stop crying, I’ve never been so scared in my life. She’s only a baby” said Althea.
Some parents know during pregnancy that their baby has a heart condition.
In some cases, the diagnosis is only made after birth and in others, it is discovered much later, like in Cassandra’s case. For Althea, her baby’s intense medical journey has only begun.
She is due for a check-up at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on August 11. There she will go a for a scope which will determine whether doctors can operate or not.
Baby Cassandra is currently on medication and needs to follow a high-calorie diet which will sustain her and hopefully boost her energy levels.
Althea remains hopeful and is strong for her baby. “I am very grateful for the love, support and visits I have received from family members and friends.
Their support keeps me going, I just want people to keep my baby in their prayers. I hope all goes well at our next doctors visit.” she said.
For more news follow us on these platforms:
Twitter: @SowetoUrban, Facebook: Soweto Urban News, Instagram: @SowetoUrban
News site 1: Westside-Eldos Urban News, News site 2: Soweto Urban News
