"The syndrome mirrors the symptoms of polio, but it's not the disease," Rich said. Instead, it involves a weakening of the stronger limb, resulting from years of over-compensating for the limb affected by polio. Other symptoms of the syndrome include unaccustomed fatigue, new weakness in muscles, pain in muscles and joints, muscle atrophy and breathing difficulties.

Within the last decade [Marcia Silverman] and Rich were among many discovering they had post-polio syndrome. For some that discovery is rapid, as with Silverman. For others, such as Rich, it's a slow progression.

Tribune photos by KATHY MOORE-LENGELL ; [Bill Rich], of Sun City Center, was paralyzed with polio as a child. He recovered, but years later he was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome.; ; (Bill Rich); ; Marcia Silverman was stricken with polio as a teen and recovered. "Polio survivors should definitely consult doctors who know something about post-polio syndrome," she says.; Photo: PHOTO 3