Thanks to other posters for recent responses and input. This is a
great group to share, as also is the P_Atrial_FibSupport group.

I met for the 1st time yesterday (it was a beautiful day in Boston)
with Dr. Moussa Manseur at the cardiac / electrophysiology /
arrhythmia department at Mass General Hospital, on a referral from my
local cardiologist. He and their department (55 staff total)seem
very well recognized and qualified. I've been on Amiodarone now for
5 years, with gradually increasing doses after afib episodes and
cardioversions. Presently at 400 MG/day Amiodarone, and I understand
that I will likely suffer serious ill effects if continue many more
years with it - to lung, liver, thyroid, eyes... not to mention the
severe photo sensitivity to the sun with instant red/blue sunburn.

I am told I'm a good candidate for their pulmonary catheter ablation
procedure (I'm 49 and otherwise in good shape), and Dr. Manseur
recommends proceeding. He cites a 1-2% serious complication/stroke
risk; and a 60 - 70% success rate (I note Dr. Natale is credited with
a somewhat higher success rate). Dr. Manseur feels the techniques
of the procedure, the technology of the MRI cardiac mapping etc. is
not likely to undergo any dramatic improvement in the next year, and
that I should go ahead with the ablation.

Any suggestions on this decision, based on others' experiences &
knowledge ? The ablation procedure seems like a big, threatening
deal, compared to taking medications (I'm ready to faint just
thinking about it), but that it's a remarkable step in medical
science if it is successful, and may be an improvement for me.

Thanks -

Scotty