Chances are, you or someone you know has COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), an umbrella term for emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is a common disease, probably much more common than you think. In fact, over 12 million U.S. adults are estimated to have COPD. But even more alarming is evidence that close to 24 million people have impaired lung function, indicating a vast under diagnosis of COPD.

Interesting facts, yes, but when it comes right down to it, when you're the one who has COPD, it's not the millions who matter most. It's just you, and the people closest to you, who must live day-by-day, night-by-night, breath-by-breath with the challenge of COPD.

In honor of COPD Awareness Month, over the next two weeks, I'm going to introduce you to four people living with COPD. Come along with me and meet them, and when you do, I think you'll be surprised that your idea of what COPD is - what you believe it looks like and what you think it has to be - isn't necessarily so.

Last week, we met Eileen. Next, we'll meet Dee and Ken and hear for how we talk about living - not dying - with COPD. Learn how COPD is no longer a death sentence; and why it doesn't have to be about isolation and illness, but being part of community and living well. This is what living with COPD should be all about.

Name: Tim
Age: 50
Location: Lincoln, IL
Occupation: I was in the Air Force for two enlistments, then trained to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Eventually, I was a supervisor in a group home for developmentally disabled adults. I was promoted to a better job with more responsibility, but then I had an exacerbation and after that had difficulties working even six hours a day before becoming fatigued and having to go home. I then had no choice but to go on disability.

When were you diagnosed? 1985 moderate COPD, while in the Air Force; and in 2004, very severe.

What was your reaction to the diagnosis?
Denial. I didn't believe I was as sick as they kept telling me. I didn't have the normal SOB (shortness of breath) that one would associate with COPD. Although my SPO2 (oxygen saturation) was dropping down to 80% (should not be below 92%) at rest and even lower with exertion, I didn't have a clue. Just kept smoking right on through it.

How did your family and friends react?
Denial at first, but now they have gotten used to the fact that they can't smoke around me or come around when they are sick. They know I will tell them when I don't feel like doing something they want me to do. I don't try to do everything I used to do and slowly they have accepted, and I think understand. They aren't afraid to ask questions and voice their opinions about the care I get.

Do you use supplemental oxygen?
Yes, 24/7.

Do you take inhaled medications?
Advair 500/50, Spiriva, and Albuterol.

Do you exercise regularly? If so, what do you do?
Theraband, stretches, exercise bike and treadmill.

Tell us about pulmonary rehab. Were you scared at first?
The first time, I didn't want to be there but the ladies who run the program were so nice and helpful, you couldn't help but follow their directions. I was so active at the time, I didn't really notice any improvement. I didn't even make it through the first 20 classes. I didn't want to pay the co-pay and you have to remember that "there wasn't anything wrong with me." LOL.