Aberdeen youngster Frank Ross sat in a doctor's office and thought his career was over.
Debilitating back pain and dodgy hips forced him into missing a full year of his career and - at just 20-years-old - he was convinced he'd never play football again.
It couldn't have come at a worse time, either.
The winger had just played well in big games against Hibs and St Mirren and been called up for the Scotland under-21s.
But it all came tumbling down when injury struck and sent Ross spiralling into a miserable mindset.
Recalling his injury-plagued year, Ross said: "I was only fit for two games against Hibs and St Mirren, then I went away with the Scotland under-21s and picked up a really bad injury.
"Last year was really horrible and there were times where I genuinely didn't think I'd play football again.
"Both hips were impinged so I had really bad back pain, tightness in my legs all the time.
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"It really wasn't great.
"My dad and I went down to Milton Keynes in April and we seen about five or six specialists who didn't really know what to do with me.
"That trip was depressing and I thought I wasn't going to play again."
Relieved Ross eventually found a specialist down south in London who was able to pinpoint the issue with his injury.
More to the point it was completely fixed, giving the player a new lease of life.
He added: "I credit my agent, he got me in touch with a guy down in London who was brilliant.
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"I went to see him over the summer and the injury is completely gone and I feel good again.
"Preseason last year I felt really fit, I played and felt good.
"But then the injury struck and that was me for the year.
"That's when you realise how much you love football and that it's important to play football for the fun of it, not about money."
Formerly on loan at Morton, Ross has since joined Ayr United for the season.
But he revealed he has no problems heading out in a bid to rack up minutes on the park for the Honest Men.
In fact, Ross was delighted to be farmed out to Ayr after being taken aside by Dons boss Derek McInnes and assured that he is part of the manager's future plans.
Now, for Ross, it's about knuckling down and getting the game time he needs - and he wants to win, too.
He said: "The manager has outlined the hopes for the season, we want to do as well as we can.
"We want to push for the play-offs and we think it's possible with the players we have and the signings we've made.
"The gaffer at Aberdeen has told me I'm part of his plans and he wants me this season to build my fitness.
"It's refreshing to hear that from a manager like Derek McInnes, it gives you a boost and a bit of confidence that you need."
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