For me, it depends on how bad the episode is. And since mine usually occur at night, it depends on if I got any sleep. Once I went to work the next day after converting an hour before I left to go out. Let me say I don't have a stressful job, so that, too, would make a difference. However, it was not a very productive day.
On the other hand, I had an episode that kept me from sleeping at all and it was impossible to go to work. That time I called in. A couple of brief episodes (less than 4 hours) I have done normal things around the house, cooking , laundry, etc. and been OK.
Actually, the more I move around, the quicker I get rid of them.
But it all depends on the severity of the episode for me. If my HB is less than 120, I can pretty much deal. Have only had a couple of quick bursts of something (tachycardia, afib) while at work so far. It does worry me that I'll be out shopping or driving and get an episode. Such a pain!

For me it depends on how high my heart rate is and how bad I feel. Like juniebe, if it stays around 120 I can usually function okay, much higher than that is a different story, it can really wipe you out. I know what you mean about work as most if us do, we all seem to be from that "old school of work ethics" and not being able to do our jobs just adds to the stress and does not help the afib any either. Do your best to try and relax and stay calm, Preparing your class plans will also be easier as time goes along if you need to call in.

I am extremely fortunate to work from home so when I have mine nobody knows...until I post about it on my blog:) I kept my afib from my employer for the longest time but the other day I decided to let them know only because I hope to be having an ablation in the near future so I'll likely need to take time off for it. So I would ask you this...does your school know you have afib? If not, it might relieve some stress talking to them about it. And here's another idea I'll throw out at you. Have you discussed your condition with your class...to let them know that there may be days you will not be there so you apologize in advance if daily plans aren't complete? If I were in your shoes, I don't think I'd go to class if I was in afib because I'd fear I'd have a bad episode. I would probably just let the school know what's going on and depending on the relationship I had with my students, I'd let them in on it as well. That way I wouldn't feel stressed to be there and I wouldn't feel so bad calling in at the last minute.

Travis

As far as I know, unless I am having mild a-fib sometimes and don't know it, they wipe me out anywhere from 6-24 hrs. My heart rate only has to be in the 90's for me to feel bad. I am mostly disabled now because I am having episodes often and am very unstable with my symptoms. Don't drive, rest a lot. Can't do my daily activities, so it takes a lot out of me. Waiting to be properly diagnosed though. I was wondering the same thing, so thanks for asking this question! Am new to all this. :)

Graciesgirl: We all experience the impact of our AFIB differently. What knocks one of us off kilter, barely would bother another one of us. For some of us, activity, garden work, exercise, etc., actually stops the attack. You may be one of those. You might try going out for a brisk walk to see if you can stop the event. Take your cell phone.

I find that moving around and getting my mind off it really helps a lot. I'm not sure if it stops the episode or if I just dont notice it as much. The worse time is when I go to bed. Just laying there feeling my heart bouncing around is nerve wracking.

i just saw doctor yesterday and he's not too crazy about doing an ablation without first trying meds. He started me on Metropolol 25 mg er twice a day. Still had episodes every day. Some lasting 8-12 hours.

I was just diagnosed with afib in March 2014. I had a real bad one then Lasted 3 days in hospital. Didnt have another episode until Jun 2014 and I was on absolutely no meds. The doctor in Florida when I had the 3 day episode wanted me on Amiodarone. I went home and looked it up and refused to take it.
When I got back to Michigan and went to my trusted doc and he said I was right not to take the Amiodarone so soon. He had me wear a halter moniter for a month to determine if I did in fact have afib. In a whole month (July) I only showed a couple very short arrythmias but was determined to have afib.
Now since I started the meds (Metropolol and Eloquis) I have episodes every single day. I dont get it!

Yup. I work through it. Sometimes for days. And often it is uncomfortable. What helps me get by is eating moderate amounts of food to decrease digestion-related vagal nerve activity (an a-fib trigger for some), avoiding coffee (even bitter decaf can 'get' me), taking metoprolol beta-blocker to keep blood pressure down, and if there is any chance of public speaking or major stress, small dose of benzo. I also have to take the elevator. Even one flight of stairs can send me in to flutter or maintained tachycardia. Joy....