Question about medications

I was hospitalized last weekend with Afib.  I remained in the hospital for two days.  They treated me first with Diltiazem and then gave me Flecainide which stopped the afib within 45 minutes.  They kept me for monitoring, and then discharged me.
I am now taking 120mg Diltiazem once a day, and Flecainide 50mg twice a day along with an aspirin.
I was told by the cardiologist, that I will have to take this medication for the rest of my life.  I am a 61 year old male 5'6" 145 lbs.  Although I have had PVC's for most of my life, I was told they were totally benign. Then this eposode, which the cardiologist said was not related to the PVC's. I have always been healthy. Likewise he told me that my ultrasound showed a healthy heart. I have never taken any medications for anything other than aspirin or tylenol. I am very concerned about taking this medication.

My question is this: Is this medication normally given for a problem like this?  I have only had one other episode of afib, and it lasted only about fifteen minutes. That was almost ten years ago, and happened after a night of drinking at a birthday party. I was not hospitalized.  This last episode ocurred while I was sleeping.

[catspeaks]

Hi,
I just came out of the hospital today, was admitted yesterday with Afib.  I had been on an event monitor since my doctors couldn't pinpoint what my problem was.  I had pals before but never this.  Yesterday morning, my heart beat was all over the place.  I was taken by ambulance, where they administered cardazam by IV.  Within 20 minutes or so after arriving at the hospital, I went back to a normal sinus rhythm.  I was also told to take a 325 mil Econtrin but still have a lot of questions for my doctors as well.  Will call them on Monday.
Good luck with yours, unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the meds you're taken..I'm not familiar with all these heart related issues either and look to two great sites for help as well as comfort.
By the way, I'm 56 years old, female and in good health.  This came out of nowhere after dealing with a few months of skipped beats.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Flecainide and Dilt are a common combination for management of symptomatic atrial fibrillation in patients with normal healthy hearts.  It's an effective regimen that you will have to stay on.  There is no way to cure atrial fibrillation with medications, however, there is an ablation procedure which is indicated in those who can't tolerate medications.  There is about a 75% chance of curing atrial fibrillation with this procedure.  You have to stay on the ASA for life.    

[Kenny1948]

I'm somewhat relieved at what you say.  I was concerned because I had read that these two meds could interact, causing problems.

I am normally a fairly active person.  I regularly go for long walks, or go kayaking. I was worried that I could no longer do any of this.  I have felt fine since starting these meds. Was feeling a little woozy at first, but now I seem to be feeling better.

They have not monitored me since I left the hospital.  Is this normal?  That has been a lot of my concern.  

[Kenny1948]

Once again, I am asking this stupid question.  If I only had one real episode of Afib, why is it necessary to keep taking these medications for life.  I really am looking for a better explanation of why.
Like I said I have never taken medications, even aspirin.  These sound like heavy meds to me, and I am still afraid of them. Are my fears not rational?

Like I said I am a fairly active person.  I was a gardener, I still work ( up until now ) outside in the hot sun. This is Florida, where the afternoon temperatures are usually above 90.  This is what scares me about taking these medicines. Doing strenuous exercise in heat.  It always took a lot out of me, but now I am afraid it could be too much.