You might be better off with an ablation. It is now considered to be the 'gold standard' for AF. What makes the difference, though, is the experience and skill of the EP. Find one who is busy, well regarded, and who does between six and ten ablations each week.

Just so you know, most EPs will want initially to tackle the pulmonary vein ostia where 80%+ of all AF originates. It's a reasonable first step, but while he/she is 'in there', a good EP will map the atrial wall and find other foci...if they exist...and ablate those. No common dog asking a patient to return in six months for another go at it when the risk is doubled, so a conscientious EP will do everything possible, barring complications or an already long ablation, at the one time.

Additionally, about 25% of all initial, or 'index', ablations fail. This is common across practicing EPs, although some do much better, notably Dr. Andrea Natale at Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute in Austin. He travels to quite a few hospitals across the USA, but give his office a call if you can travel, and if you want the best.

I am 76, and also have reactions to drugs so I don't. I improve or eliminate about all health problems by investigating how to get rid of them naturally through diet etc.

I had a next door neighbor in Florida who was trying to prove to her family that she was fine living alone. And she was just fine. But went to a doc and a number a little high and put her on a med. That drug caused her legs to swell up, so another drug to get rid of excess water which she never had. It was like a snowball going downhill. She became depressed from the handful of pills she was taking and within about 6 months closed her eyes, stopped eating and died on purpose. It was 100% the doctor's fault. Other than her agreeing. I googled all her meds and all her symptoms were from the drugs.

A friend's aunt 80 yrs old was diagnosed with stomach cancer. The doc's said she would die if she didn't have operation, chemo, and radiation. She said NO!!! She lived until 92!

I just googled the side effects of Tikosyn. Here is the list: Diarrhea, Nausea, Dizziness, Rash, Chest pain, Shortness of breath, Headache, Heart arrhythmia, Loss of appetite, Stomach pain,
Back pain, Insomnia, Respiratory infection, Runny nose, Unusual sweating, Fainting, Flu-like symptoms, Paralysis, Fatigue, Heart attack, Increased thirst.

I strongly suggest you google any meds and procedures for side effects and ask yourself without them pressuring you, is this what I want? They told you - If I do nothing, I'm told it will continue to get worse and won't be able to be corrected. I wish you lived near me, and would invite you to my house for a long chat.

My pea brain suggestions:
1 Are you drinking or eating ANYTHING with caffeine? Coffee, colas, Mountain Dew, chocolate etc?
2 Are you drinking water every day? The first of January, I started drinking water. It is VERY difficult for me, and not up to 8 cups yet, 5 ot 6. Used to drink maybe one! It has made a HUGE difference in just ONE MONTH!
3 Do eat dairy? anything with wheat such as bread, cookies, cake etc.? Processed junk food, high sugar foods? If so, cut down and out.
4 Read Psalms and the rest of the Bible for peace, and have a talk with God and His son every day.
5 Do some walking if able.

Please let me know if anything I have said rings a bell or helps.

Hello. Sorry to hear about your predicament. I would follow through with your present cardiologist and EP. Once they give you their opinions based on whatever tests they order, you will know what your options are and if you want to have anything done. I would think the worst would be doing nothing about it. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Almost forgot, prayer works.