A pensioner has revealed he is so desperate to be rid of his three-stone leg he could consider having it amputated.
Michael Cull has elephantiasis in his left leg and has been living in agony for more than a decade.
But the 66-year-old is yet to be given a treatment plan, and earlier this year he accused health bosses of turning their back on him after a surgery to remove excess flesh from his leg was cancelled.
Now the former Nasa scientist has revealed he would consider amputation to end his suffering.
He has vowed to give local doctors one last chance before heading to India, where he says doctors are prepared to operate.
Mr Cull, of Rosehearty, said NHS Scotland had asked him to go through one more consultation process to find a way forward.
“They want me to go for further tests and see further consultants to talk about the risks of surgery, but I’ve done this all before,” he said.
“They also want me to see a clinical psychologist, but I still have no firm dates. I think this has to be my last chance, because
I don’t think I’m going to get it any other way. I’ll have to look to find a way to get to India, I’m getting to the stage now where I feel like pulling someone apart.
“Any operation is 50/50 – anything you do is – and I’m now prepared to have my leg off. I think a prosthetic might even be an option, it wouldn’t be a bad thing.
“This is urgent.”
The growth, which requires custom-made trousers, first appeared when he was in a car crash while living in London.
He had previously been set for surgery in Hull when, days before he was due to travel, it was pulled from him as an option.
He now estimates that he will have to find £12,000 to fund the trip and surgery India.
The Scottish Government said it was supportive of efforts to find treatment for Mr Cull.
“Decisions about medical care are a matter for clinicians, and the Scottish Government is supportive of Mr Cull receiving the most appropriate treatment for this highly specialised condition,” a spokeswoman said.
“Any patient who is not satisfied with their treatment should discuss their concerns with the lead clinician responsible for their healthcare in the first instance.”
A spokeswoman for NHS Grampian added it remained “fully committed” to Mr Cull.