I also struggled with AFIB and RVR for years. Five years ago I, too, had a pacemaker implanted. The title of this discussion indicates that you had an AV Node Ablation - but your text does not say that. Did you have an AV Node Ablation? I had one a year ago, and - while my heart is beating normally (due to the pacemaker), I also am in permanent AFIB. Like you, I had symptoms of AFIB, even though my EP and other physicians said I would not. When I asked my oncologist about some of my symptoms, she immediately contacted my EP who sent me to a different cardiologist than I had been seeing. It turned out that the settings on my pacemaker had to be adjusted! It was such a simple fix, but it made such a difference. So, you may see if you need your pacemaker "tweaked".

In addition, jc76 indicated that meds could be a cause of your symptoms. It is certainly amazing the side effects of some meds! One med I was on was toxic to my lungs, so my extreme shortness of breath was not related to my AFIB, but to the med I was taking. Checking with your cardiologist about your meds is a great suggestion.

Like jc76, I also empathize with you. Good luck finding your answers!