When diabetic Jim Taylor collapsed at home, his wife assumed he was having a hypo and put him to bed.
But nine months later – after doctors repeatedly put his loss of balance and lethargy down to an ear infection – a neurologist broke the news he had suffered a stroke.
The janitor, from Banchory, was forced to take early retirement and now relies on his wife Fiona to help him with his daily routine.
Thanks to a local support and exercise group run by the Stroke Association however, Mr Taylor is beginning to regain some of his independence.
Mr Taylor was just 56 when he collapsed at home while on holiday from Hill of Banchory Primary in 2009.
“I picked him up, he told me he wasn’t feeling very well so I put him to bed,” Mrs Taylor said. “He was dripping right through with sweat, so I just thought it was a hypo and didn’t think much more of it.”
But after a couple of days, Mrs Taylor took him to the doctor, who said he had an inner ear infection and prescribed antibiotics, which had little effect.
“The snow came and Jim was stuck in the house 24/7, he was not getting better or doing his normal things,” she said. “He was waking me three or four times a night as he could not get downstairs by himself, he was very vulnerable.
“By February he still wasn’t right – he wouldn’t go out without me as he was frightened about falling in the street.”
Mrs Taylor began wondering if her husband had hit his head when he collapsed, and eventually he was referred to a neurologist in August 2010, who immediately confirmed he had a stroke.
The diagnosis meant Mr Taylor had to take early retirement, and now volunteers in a local charity shop twice a month.
The 62-year-old can still walk, but has lost his confidence about going very far on his own, and is more susceptible to depression. He heavily relies on his wife.
But thanks to Banchory Stroke Club, he is beginning to improve.
The club offers people of all ages who have suffered a stroke the chance to meet others while doing specific exercises designed to improve their mobility.
Mrs Taylor, who is now organiser and treasurer of the club, said: “I can see a massive difference in him, he’s an entirely different person.”
Banchory Stroke Club
Banchory Stroke Club meets every Monday in the town’s Guide Lodge.
Exercise instructor Sue Leftwich gently warms the members up, before sending them off to do different exercises – ranging from walking with poles, cycling with a bike that can be used with hands or feet, a step-on machine and stretches.
The circuit session is based on the individual abilities and needs of members, who range in age from mid-30s to 70s.
Mrs Taylor – who juggles running her own cleaning business with caring for her husband and organising the club – urged anyone who had suffered a stroke in the Deeside area to consider going along.
She said: “It’s not an elderly-related group, it’s for all ages. Strokes can affect anyone at any age.
“Everyone chats to each other as they are going round doing their exercises. We might of light of it when we can, it’s not just an exercise group.”
She added the club had “transformed” her shy husband, by allowing him to regain some of his independence.
“The exercise has really helped him, he doesn’t drag his foot as much,” she said.
“The exercise has brought him on, he’s a little bit more independent.”
Lifts can be organised for anyone without access to their own transport.
The group meets from 11.30am-12.30pm. To find out more, call Mrs Taylor on 07734 723967.