You need to go to a bigger hospital with a different cardiologist for a second opinion. There are a lot of side effects from anti-arrhythmics and the one they gave you is pretty heavy-duty. And why a cardioversion if you weren't in A-fib, or were you? I am not sure I get it. I looked up the cost of a cardioversion in the U.S. and it ranges from $1,200 to $ 1,875 depending on your location and insurance coverage. While that is a lot of money, it isn't a fortune. I'd love to hear what you paid. You need a second opinion; I had an ablation and while I felt some weakness for a few days afterward, I was pretty much back to normal by 8 weeks. And I am 80 years old.