oldscutlas--Your mom's history makes me recall this post by dignan on May 13, 2006: <
shortened url>.
As most know, I believe MS starts with excess insulin in the bloodstream; it is highly irritating (like battery acid in the pipes of your house!) and causes damage to the blood vessels; then, the immune system (monocytes>macrophages, etc.) steps in to repair and becomes too aggressive or chronic.
Not only is my insulin level elevated, but I think the sensations in my legs (like "many cuts" along the sides of my shins and "burning" in my feet) could stem from arterial damage. The heaviness in my feet and legs could traced to this too, I think.