After lung surgery, being in afib for 5 weeks and barely keeping my heart rate manageable, being finally converted twice in one week, I am on amiodarone 200 mg. once a day and Toprol XL 25 mg. once a day, both taken in the morning. My heart rate after about 3 weeks started dropping into the 40's. I finally saw the new ep who said I had "complicated afib" and recommended ablation -- I am waiting to hear from the scheduler, but it looks like after the first of the year. He wanted me off the Amiodarone (the only thing standing between me and afib IMO) for TWO MONTHS, but seeing my agitation, he said, "Okay 4 weeks, you are taking a low dose. I know the reason is that he needs the afib to be present to do the ablation. He assured me we could keep my heart rate down if I go into afib (it's when, not if) and told me to take my Toprol every other day. When I asked if I could take 1/2 per day he said okay. After about 3 days on that regimen, I awoke with irregular beats, usually a prelude to afib and rvr. I popped a 25 mg. Toprol about 3 hours early and sat up for awhile and it subsided. Called the new ep's office and got his "clinical coordinator" and asked if he had any ideas. He did not and said to stay hydrated and make sure I stand for moment when getting up from a sitting position. If I have problems I am to go to the ER, something I would like to avoid. I asked about atenolol which I have done well on in the past, and he said it wouldn't do anything for me the Toprol wasn't doing. Heart rate has fallen as low as 43, but he said symptoms, not numbers was what they go by. I have the feeling I am going to see this ep for the procedure and not getting much else in the way of help or attention, altho he assured me they would keep my heart rate down if I went into afib. It's a big university hospital and he's the "first available" and I had to wait 4-1/2 weeks to get in to see him. He claims an 85% cure rate with no meds, after 1, 2 or possibly 3 ablations. Says my atria are scarred and possible my sinus node. He put "sick sinus syndrome" on my summary, never said anything about it and it's the first time I heard it. I am seeing my family doc for help with medication management and previous ep for a routine appt. December 3. The ablation is pretty much my only option. Can't stay on the amioderone forever, too many side effects in the long term. If anyone has any suggestions on how to manage the Toprol, or what my expectations should be from this new doctor, I'd appreciate hearing them. I would like to get thru the holidays without a hospital visit. I am anxious to get rid of the afib. My only options other than open heart surgery are av node ablation and pacemaker. He said they could do better than that for me. He said 10 years ago that would have been pretty much all they could offer. I was to go to the Cleveland Clinic but logistics and health of family members is making it virtually impossible at this time. I am second guessing everything and need some help managing this whirlwind of thoughts and fears that are swirling around. Again, any ideas are welcome. Thanks.