Warning / reminder to other shoppers

I bought a pair of boots mid April. Despite buying a size larger than I wear to allow for socks, they didn't fit. Before I could return them I fell ill with pneumonia. Today is my first day out and I went straight to the store I Bel Aire, with supporting medical documentation. Despite not being advised on purchase about the 30 day exchange period, it is at the bottom of the slip. I was hoping there could be an exception. However, the rule is cast in stone. At least the box they came in is nice and useful.