First I must tell you that after talking to many people after I was diagnosed, everyone seems to have different experiences from an "episode." I am so surprised always that some folks "don't even know" that they are in an arrhythmia. I will speak for myself only; I can tell immediately when I am in A-fib. I feel the "flutter" or "air-bubble" feeling in my chest. I am not short of breath but I don't have the usual stamina when going up stairs or doing certain activities. I can go to the gym and walk on the treadmill at a pretty good pace, trying to "walk it off" but I can't tolerate the ellipical machine--just not enough "steam" to do it. I do get dizzy/light-headed when standing after sitting for some time. I feel lousy and irritated. My episodes have been relatively short (a few hours) since I was diagnosed when I was out of rhythm for several weeks while I waited for cardioversion and had to be on Eliquis for 4 weeks. Since then the episodes have been infrequent but I had 3 in May, with one trip to the ED with a pulse of 130. For some folks, the rate is much higher but for me, that was just intolerable. I spontaneously converted, for some reason, in the ED after a "pause" of 3.2 seconds and I have been fine since then. I have made every "life-style" change that I have read about--even avoiding sleeping on my left side, which the electrophysiologist found amusing. I am a very active person, probably above average for someone my age, but I am finding the "triggers" very unpredictable--like the doc says, a crap shoot! I am so very empathetic as to your experiences. I was going to demand an ablation, but after reading that it was no guarantee of symptom free living, I agree to try an anti-arrhythmic first. Really scary sounding medication to my liking, but I am watching it cautiously. I also have no significant heart issues, so that is also a factor with taking meds. I'm a nurse so I read all the latest literature, look at the studies, take all "testimonials" with a grain of salt. I believe each and every person is unique and what works for one doesn't necessarily work for others. So be your own advocate; do what works for you and be sure you get a good doctor who listens and is open to your concerns. Best of luck. Hope that helps.