I agree with Cindy about the ablator. I just had an ablation for SVT and my slow pathway was ablated in the AV node. My ep has done 2500-3000 ablations and is well respected in his field. Did he explain exactly where he was trying to do the ablation near the AV node? Did your doctor try to ablate with high frequency radiation or cryoablation? Cryoablation freezes rather than burns and can be reversed while the procedure is being done if the AV node is blocked. The downside to this one is that it isn't quite as effective and a second ablation is often required to stop the offending SVT but it is safer.
LIke i have said from day one...it is the expertise of the ablator at the end of the day with ablations. That is why i tell everyone never choose a doctor that has done less than 1500 ablations during their career because you don't want to choose one that has not faced everything. Altho i totally agree with the doc that attempted it because if it was too close to the AV Node of the heart that portion is the brain of the heart and if they accidently zap it its a done deal..the heart wouldn't have the ability to function on its own without assistance. I am a huge fan of antenolol but again its up to your heart doc to choose which meds work best for you taking your complete medical history into consideration. Good luck with making your decision on which road to travel on this one.
I am on medication for Afib: Norpace XR, Atenolol, Coumadin & Xanax. It seems to be working with minimal side effects and more good days than bad. Ask your doctor what options you have other than the pacemaker.