Living with Atrial Fibrillation: What are Your Experiences?

I would consult with a cardiologist. With afib, you have an increased risk of stroke as the blood is not pumped efficiently out of the artria. There is also potential for heart damage over time. There are meds that work great for some folks. The response below regarding 160 as when to seek medical assistance might be okay if your cardiologist recommends it, but a visit to a cardiologist would be my recommendation.
I had afib for a number of years that was well controlled by meds; then I needed an ablation. ...lots of info on ablations on this site.

I have been in persistent A fib
Since at least Feb 10. I take Eliquis and Cardizem. I had a cardioversion that put me back in a fib a few hours later. I am scheduled for an ablation May 28
I am a young 77, very active , still teach school part time. Miss my coffee and Chardonnay

My diagnosis occurred 4 years ago ... the next 2-1/2 years I was referred from one Dr. or Physician Assistant to another, each would either suggest a change of medication or some sort of test: ekg, cta, etc. One would talk with the urgency of my condition being Eminent - Life Threatening, the next like I had little more than a "wort on my toe"! 16 months ago "I'd Had It!" - I stopped going to Cardiologists all together, sorted thru of what I'd been told to do that seemed like 'the right thing', & got rid of All the Drugs.
Now 4 years from the Initial Diagnosis, I'm ready to 'start All Over'. I'd had 2-1/2 years of being batted around like a Ping-Pong Ball. Ready to try again, I called a Hospital/Clinic in a larger city 100+ miles away & booked an appointment with one of their Cardiologists whose specialty is treating my Specific Issue - A-Fib. Before the appointment I sent a copies of my large files with the tests (& results), Medications, etc. that had been prescribed + the serious side effects that resulted ... as much info. as I felt they would or Should be given.
When the appointment took place, he pulled all the 'loose ends' together, said all the medical people I'd seen went "Above & Beyond" what they needed to do, & gave me Good, Sound, Practical advice for the future. He made a few suggestions, re-assured me that where I am Now I'm not doing anything wrong, basically I was "Just Fine. Keep up Just what you're Doing.". Finally he asked if I'd Like to come back in 6 months just so we can 'stay on top of it'.
My take-away: Follow Your Own Best Judgment. Don't let Physician Assistants &/or Dr.'s rush you into doing something your 'gut feelings' or 'instincts' tell you 'Just Doesn't Feel Right', & If Necessary - Keep Looking for a Medical Professional who will look at you like a "Snowflake" (no 2 are alike). Be Aware, there Are Dr.'s out there who look at Patients as: "Another Deep Pocket Walking Thru Their Door." (I call them: "Ka-Ching, Ka-Ching Dr.'s = always looking out for ways to 'Hit Their Good-Ole' Cash Register'!)

Huge "Thank You" For That Info.
(Once & DONE!)

I’m just a few years younger 73 . Life is short . Have a cup of coffee and a glass of Chardonnay or two Just make sure you take your meds if needed and exercise daily Now go brew a cup or pull the cork .

I drink 2 cups of strong coffee every morning I have too many issues to list them all but afib and HBP are just two . Went the decaffeinated root and then stopped completely . Didn’t change a thing . Beats and numbers and all my test exactly the same . Have a cup of coffee

I AGREE!!!

Thank you, just went to the doctor and got all the 'bad news' feel just fine and not attached to living forever - am 84 and have had a busy life. BUT "they" are insistent that i 'need' this procedure for my Afib. I feel I am caught between "a rock and a hard place" thanks for listening!!

I was symptomatic with my afib- light headed, short of breath. Within 9 months I was put on Eliquis and an anti arrhythmic medication but still needed to be cardioverted 4 times. Both my in town cardiologist and my out of town electrophysiologist at the Cleveland Clinic recommended an ablation.
Since the ablation I have not had an episode of afib- 16 months. Seek out professional advice. Everyone is different. Good luck.

I love the celery and lettuce motif. Brightened my day. And agree 100% with what you say about many in the medical profession. Bring back Doc Adams from Gunsmoke……