A fib

[drbiles]

I've had A. fib. for 20 yrs.
normally in excellent health
normal BP 110/70
normal RHR 60
55 yrs old
non-drinker
non-smoker
eat healthy
5' 8" 180 lbs
Lately i've been in extreme pain especially at the end of the day.
Losing sleep.
with a RHR @ 175 - 225 while on medication.
Tried all medication known, they worked for a few months but then the a fib would come back with more pain.
2 stress echo's finding heart is healthy as a 25 yr. old heart
ex-athlete
2 cardiac ablations
5 cardioversions last one didn't work.
3 months of  acupuncture weekly
3 months of Chinese erbologist weekly.

1. Can a third ablation get me back to normal sinus rhythm permanently?
what's the success rate of third ablations?
or
2. should I have the mini-maze procedure? what the success rate of mini-maze?

3. How long after the ablation should I wait to have the mini-maze?

Pacemaker is out of the question.
With a pacemaker I would still be in afib, on medication, on coumadin for possible stroke  and limited ability to exercise.

Why can't the cause be treated not the symptoms???
Obviously something is telling my atrium to beat this way and it hurts!!!