So my old man is diagnosed with heart failure. He was an atrial fibrilator but had ablation like a decade ago which solved it. No diagnosis of heart failure for 10 years and he's had multiple cardiology visits because going to doctors is basically both his job and his hobby.
Somehow, suddenly, a heart failure diagnosis has been attributed to the 10 years ago A-fib. Ok. Maybe that happens somehow. Wtf do I know. But there's an awful lot of heart problems going around these days and the dude has had 3 shots, possibly 4, of Moderna.
This is a guy who harangued me twice a week for the better part of two years to get vaccinated, and who still rarely leaves his house because of covid (fair call, he's 84).
To what degree do I owe a debt of ethical responsibility to my father to talk him out of his next booster, which he fully intends to take, knowing that he's Core Covid Cult and unlikely to listen (as in the past) to personal anecdote or [given that there are 3 PhDs in the house between him and his wife] any studies I send his way. These are NPR people we're talking about.
I incline toward the role, as Robin Williams put it, of the dutiful son. If he was a dog, I'd spoil him and cause him no unhappiness. The end is frickin nigh at 84, one way or another, so it's not like I'm going to save his life by arguing about Troponin in Swiss studies, etc.
What's my duty here?
Oldtimer, I still say Paxlovid is legit but you need real help, not Pfizermectin. You're owed an apology for false promises but for now you gotta be your own advocate and get help with what sounds like long 'rona or lingering severe issues. The fucking accountants who run the show will give you all sorts of assurances. Insist on scans and solutions. Be a squeaky wheel.
