Aberdeen FC hero hit by stroke at 38

Eoin Jess tells of stroke shock

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FANS' FAVOURITE: Eoin Jess scored some spectacular goals while at Aberdeen FC before heading south.

EOIN Jess today admitted he was shocked when doctors told him he had suffered a stroke at the age of just 38.

But he was quick to reassure Dons fans who made his two spells as an Aberdeen player so memorable that he is fine and on the road to making a full recovery.

“There was no warning, I’ve hardly had an ill day in my life,” he said.

“I don’t smoke, drink in moderation, eat sensibly and still go to the gym three or four times a week.

“When the doctors told me I had suffered a stroke it was a shock.

“It’s not the sort of thing you expect to happen to a man of my age.

“But I’ve seen all the television adverts about stroke victims, so I know these things can happen – and it could have been a lot worse.

“It was very scary at the time, but I’m grateful my stroke was at the lower end of the scale as far as severity goes.

“I’m feeling fine now and expect to be back at work full-time by the end of the month.

“I know a lot of people who have suffered strokes aren’t so lucky.”

Eoin suffered the stroke when getting dressed to go to the gymnasium near his home in Nottingham.

He said: “Everything seemed fine until I bent down to pick up one of my socks.

“When I stood back up I noticed it wasn’t in my hand and I thought ‘that’s strange.’

“I tried to pick up the sock again but couldn’t do it. I then had a look in the mirror and saw that the left side of my mouth was drooping a little.

“My speech had also become slurred, so I knew it was time to seek help.

“There was no pain. It was more a case of me thinking ‘oh my God, what’s happening?’

“I was very confused because I just couldn’t understand what was going on.”

Eoin called Nottingham’s G-Docs service and he was taken to the Queen’s Medical Hospital.

He also spent some time in the stroke unit at Nottingham’s City Hospital while medical staff carried out a series of tests.

Eoin said: “They were as baffled as I was at first.

“But they eventually discovered I have high blood cholesterol levels.

“I was surprised by that because I’ve always been careful with my diet and get plenty of exercise.

“But the doctors told me I have a hereditary condition.

“The course of treatment I’m on now will cut the risk of any future problems.

“The doctors have assured me they expect me to be fine.

“I count myself lucky to have been given a warning before things were a lot worse.

“I would advise anyone reading this to have their blood cholesterol levels checked.

“It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Eoin praised the medical staff at the hospital for their prompt and professional manner.

He is also grateful for the support he has received from everyone at Nottingham Forest.

“Everyone has been brilliant since it happened,” he said.

“The people at the club have rallied and been very supportive. That was no surprise because Forest are pretty much like Aberdeen. It’s a family club, so people tend to stick together when there are problems.

“I’ve been told not to drive for a month, so some of the other coaches have offered to taxi me about. And I’m determined not to allow what happened to stand in the way of my coaching ambitions.

“I will be carrying on with my life as normal.”