It has been over a year since my last AF episode. I still get a few ectopics here or there, but overall the heart is working well. My first episode was when I was 48 years old and spent 3 days in hospital until heart sorted itself out. 9 months later another episode that lasted about 6 hours(took my flecanide, metoporol, and Eliquis as PiP). Very happy to make it a year since that last episode. Luckily my heart is structurally sound and my AF seems to be based on genetics as I have a long line from my grandfather to great uncles, to uncle who have all dealt with AF episodes.
My main message to newbies here with AF is to talk to a respected EP, and if the message you get feels odd(which happened to me as I was told I had to get an ablation ASAP because I could quickly move to permanent AF), then talk to another EP to get a second opinion. Next up is the hard suggestion which is around lifestyle changes. Check on sleep apnea, take your BP meds, as other posts would tell you. I focused on losing weight, and I lost about 30 lbs since my first diagnosis. The other thing I played around with is dropping my calcium intake. I don't have the link to the other long term AFer who took this approach, but I don't drink milk anymore as I would drink at least 3-4 cups a day. So here is hoping for many more years of being AF free. AF sucks, and I'm thankful every day/night when I don't have an episode. I continue to wish the best for those out there who haven't been as fortunate as me.
One year update on Ablation.
One year post ablation today!!
Ablation Anniversary 
Mini Maze 2 Year Anniversary 
One year post ablation but still feeling extreme lethargy 
