Has anybody had an upper G.I. endoscopic while having emphysema COPD?

Posted by snoots @snoots, Mar 10 4:34pm

While having COPD/emphysema has anyone had to have an upper G.I. endoscopy done? If so, how did it go? They called me today and said it was probably going to move my appointment up that they would call in aWhile having COPD/emphysema has anyone had to have an upper G.I. endoscopy done? If so, how did it go? They called me today and said it was probably gonna move my appointment up that they would call in a couple of weeks. Just curious they do it the same way they do normal people.

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stevelc | @stevelc | Mar 11 8:15am

I have copd and had a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy upper endoscopy done in 2025. Five years back I had the same but both had very different outcomes. The first time, I woke up coughing and had terrible lung issues for weeks after. I think that I had pulmonary aspiration during the procedure which started my lung problems. The recent one (with severe Copd) was smooth and no problems at all. Immediately before the procedure, I made sure that the anesthesiologist AND my gastroenterologist were aware and that I had major concerns about this. I noticed that before going under that the doctors had positioned the procedure table so that my head was up. They also hooked me up to oxygen. You really have to be your own patient advocate, so speak up. Good luck with your procedure.

hicopd | @hicopd | 5 days ago

Sure, I had an upper endoscopy and colonoscopy with my severe emphysema several times. It's what my gastroenterologist prefers and it was fine. My lung doc requested I have the lightest possible sedation, so they gave me "conscious sedation," where I am giving something to relax me and keep me from remembering anything. It was fine. I did have a dedicated anesthesiologist instead of having the surgeon have to keep track of my breathing AND do the procedures.

donnab213 | @donnab213 | 4 days ago

I had one done just a few months ago. I agree with the above comment by @hicopd The GI doctor and the anesthesiologist were aware of my concerns and were amazing. I had no issues. You have to be your own best healthcare advocate and speak up.

heart4wi | @heart4wi | 3 days ago

I have had several, with no issues.

jenben59 | @jenben59 | 3 days ago

Yes, more than once. I have COPD and had colon cancer, so I scheduled both at the same time. I have had no problems during or after the procedure, but I am on BREO Ellipta 100/25 and still take it before any procedures.