Update on my husband who stopped dofetilide (Tikosyn) after ablation

[Waverly1]

Update on my husband (57) who finally stopped dofetilide (Tikosyn) after having had an ablation last October. Well, after only a week, AF came back! (possibly triggered by alcohol). The doc said to go back on the dofetilide and up the metoprolol for his high heart rate. After four days he did go back into NSR! Wondering... was it the two bananas he had this morning? Or maybe the "Dole Express" juice he had which consists of pineapple juice, apple juice, and ginger? Or the heat wave we are experiencing? He says it was just the dofetilide finally kicking in, but I cling to a more interesting, less pharmaceutical remedy!

Grateful for this site, where I can read and post for my husband, who doesn't go for this sort of thing. As soon as he went into AF, I immediately ordered the Kardia, which I only knew about because of this site. Today when it revealed he was back in NSR, he marveled that the device had paid for itself for sure!

[CDreamer]

Hi - what great work you are doing on behalf of your husband. Unfortunately you can lead a horse etc.

AF triggered by alcohol is a big clue......

You need to be especially careful during the 3 month blanking period after ablation which is the time it takes for the scar tissue in the heart to form, which is what actually prevents the rogue electrical patterns which cause AF. That mean refraining from any alcohol for most people, pacing themselves so they don’t overdo things (as I did!) and to keep very well hydrated and keep electrolytes in balance (the banana may help). Pure coconut water is a great way of helping hydrate and keeping electrolytes in balance, but personally I don’t like the taste so I put in a morning green smoothIe.

Long may NSR remain for your husband and hopefully he will benefit from your diligence.

Best wishes CD

[Waverly1 in reply to CDreamer]

Yes I've been zeroing in on the hydration / electrolyte angle. But you're right about the "lead a horse" thing. Such a challenge to learn how to present a suggestion to a person so that they will listen. I saw my husband drinking more water tonight so I may have succeeded. I have also ordered some magnesium taurate which will arrive on Monday.

Thank you so much for for your kind words and response!