A 17-year-old from Cardiff who was left unable to swallow, eat, or drink after a severe illness has made an 'outstanding' recovery thanks to an innovative electrical impulse treatment. Glodi Dimonekene, a pupil at Cardiff High School, fell seriously ill with pneumonia in September 2025 and was admitted to the University Hospital of Wales. His condition worsened, leading doctors to place him in an induced coma, during which he suffered a stroke.
From Nil by Mouth to Eating Pizza
When Glodi began to recover, he discovered he could not swallow and was placed on a nil-by-mouth regimen. The teenager, who was working towards A levels in maths, physics, and chemistry, said he was 'gutted' when told he could not eat or drink. His speech and language team then proposed an electrical impulse treatment using a device called a 'phagenyx,' which delivers personalised electrical stimulation to the pharynx.
Consultant stroke physician Dr. Shakhel Ahmed admitted he was unsure how well Glodi would respond. However, within two and a half weeks of treatment, Glodi progressed from nil by mouth to eating and drinking. Dr. Ahmed described the recovery as 'outstanding,' stating, 'I have never seen anyone improve as quickly as this. In my professional career, I have never seen someone improve as quick as this.'
Exceptional Recovery for Youngest Patient
Glodi became one of the youngest patients to receive this particular treatment at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. The clinicians involved described his recovery as exceptional. Once able to swallow, Glodi immediately enjoyed his favourite meal of Domino's pizza and Fanta.
By December 2025, Glodi was discharged from hospital and determined to return to school. Despite losing a term of work, he revised intensively to catch up on his A level studies. He finished his final exam in June 2026 and hopes to pursue a degree apprenticeship in finance.
Determination and Support
Glodi credited his positive mindset and family support for his recovery. 'I kept a good head. If I was to start stressing – what could I do?' he said. 'My family were 100% with me, my mum and dad and older brother and sister. The teachers at Cardiff High did a lot for me too.'
Looking ahead, Glodi is considering a gap year to apply for degree apprenticeships in finance. In the meantime, he is searching for a summer job and plans to enjoy his favourite pizza whenever possible.
