A PENSIONER with swollen feet says he has been forced to walk around in sandals in the snow because of an undiagnosed medical condition.

Paul Middleton, 75, of Dancox House, Worcester, says he has yet to receive a diagnosis after several visits to St John's House surgery in Worcester and hospital referrals, and wants and end to his pain and discomfort.

Mr Middleton began to display a range of symptoms from last April but he says doctors have yet to get to the bottom of his unusual complaint.

He said the problems began in April last year with an exceptionally dry mouth and throat but since then he has begun to develop other peculiar symptoms including bruises all over his body, particularly on his right leg which began in August.

About three months ago he began to develop swollen hands which made it difficult for him to grip a pen.

Around six weeks ago his feet began to swell up, becoming very painful which has affected his mobility.

He says the problem has now become so severe he cannot get his shoes on.

Doctors at St John's House Medical Centre in Worcester have told him he does not have rheumatism or arthritis and that it could simply be wear and tear, Mr Middleton said.

But this is an explanation which he does not find satisfactory.

Doctors have also told him there are no problems with his heart or kidneys but he still hopes the NHS can get to the bottom of his medical issues.

The former private consultant, who used to work in Russia said: "My feet are so swollen I'm wearing sandals in the snow. I can't get shoes on. This is one of the things I want to talk about - I'm not walking around in sandals for the good of my health. It is because I can't get my shoes on."

Other problems include problems breathing at night caused by sleep apnoea and chronic fatigue.

Mr Middleton says he believes a holistic approach is needed and thinks a solution to his health problems can be found.

Mr Middleton spent eight years based in Moscow as a private consultant representing the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and is used to the cold but said he would rather not walk around in sandals for the rest of the winter.

St John’s Medical Centre did not provide a comment when approached by the Worcester News.