Gosh , I can’t say how long I was in AFIB . I had symptoms for a long time but didn’t understand what I felt. I had a left side heart stent in 2013 and while being quite astute in recovery I could feel things in my heart and chest I suddenly became aware of. As a self employed I just kept plodding along till I couldn’t really function without being exhausted. Finally went to Mayo and the jumped on it and did an ablation in 2020. The doctor in Fl told me to address it as soon as I went home to Mn. He told me that the longer you’re in AFIB the more difficult it is to manage.
I’m told lots of people are in AFIB and don’t know it but I would really encourage you to contact Mayo with your questions and I think you’ll be surprised at their welcoming of your questions and care for your well-being . Best wishes to you.