Also a first time poster to this group - I am about to have my first
ablation procedure, at least my doctor is recommending it.

I've gone through a progression of meds to control my afib, from
Atenelol/
Tenormin, Verapamil, Toprol, Disopyramide, Norpace, Cardizem.... I'm
49
with a congential heart murmer (ISSH or ASH) and have had four
cardioversions over the past 12 years to convert back to regular
rhythm.
When I'm in afib I'm really uncomfortable. After the last
cardioversion
this February I'm currently on an increased dose of 400 mg. of
Amiodarone,
which is alot and has serious side effects, although it is keeping me
in
regular rhythm right now. Also Diovan, Digiter, Warfarin... My local
cardiologist is referring me to Mass General Hospital to Dr. Mansuer
for
catheter ablation surgery because the lower doses of Amiodarone are
less and
less effective for keeping me out of afib. I'm pretty leery about
having
the surgery - risks, liklihood of needing repeat procedure, what meds
I
guess I'll still have to be on, even if the procedure is successful.

Should I be cautious about having the catheter ablation done, or is it
increasing effective...? What pursuaded other first timers to have
the
ablation done. Would you do it again if your medications were still
generally keeping you out of afib?

Thanks for the opportunity to post this.
Scotty