Jump to content
ACN Latitudes Forums

Any one heard of Dr. Sims


ccc

Recommended Posts

Faith--The short answer to your question is "I don't know". As Dr. Sims was going over that page with pictures of the nerves with me, I kept looking for the one related to emotions and thoughts, and didn't find one. Could it be that all the distress and tics to the digestive tract and other areas, even while not physically felt, cause the emotional distress? Maybe, but, the MD psychiatrist who diagnosed me with TS really has the viewpoint that these uncontrolled emotions and thoughts are tics--they are thought tics and emotion tics, just not physical tics. If you believe that, and I do feel my experience through some wild times and not so wild times is consistent with that theory, then you would have to say there is some nerve being compressed again, that relates to these thoughts/emotions, maybe just not labeled on that paper Dr. Sims gave us. Dr. Sims has seen emotional symptoms improved on patients whose primary symptoms are physical, so he was expecting it to help, but did not say so that directly. He did mention I was really the first whose visible physical symptoms, though real, were dwarved by emotional symptoms. In that sense, he saw it as a bit of a test without anything to base any expectations. By the way, I want to stress "visible" physical symptoms. Perhaps a lot of the digestive and phlegm issues are the result of physical tics which are not seen or felt. I am expecting it is no coincidence that the word "nervous", which describes me without this device, does have "nerve" as a root. It really is an excellent question, what I'd love to have the answer to, but that's about all I can offer at the moment. My acupuncturist and I will be testing a lot of items and their effect on me at our appointment tomorrow, and it's possible that testing and/or our discussion will reveal something of interest related to this question.

 

By the way, not sure if I've posted previously, but the positive effects for me were even growing and growing, even better emotionally and some physical symptoms of digestion improving and unwanted phlegm/coughing really reduced. Then I had to take it out from sores in the mouth, and wow, it's just incredible the difference. I hope to get it back in soon!

 

Love-nfp--I think that is an excellent question for Dr. Sims, and I would love to hear the answer. I know he has said the MRI confirms/shows suspected structural problems (things out of place). But I don't remember the details of exactly what was being shown as out of place. I know he thinks it's somewhat relevant to what he's treating, and that is why he's ordering them.

 

Michael

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 301
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I just spoke with Dr. Sims, to go over a couple issues I have been experiencing. With the headaches I have been experiencing in transition (putting in and taking out when I had to), he is suggesting I get a slight adjustment from someone locally. He gave a referral, someone he knows, and I will start there, but he mentions the key is finding someone with knowledge of TMJ (how nerves can be impacted by adjustments) and orthodontics. He was having trouble picturing the flesh being eaten by my upper wisdom teeth as a result of the adjustment--not denying it, just saying it's hard over the phone to comment on it, he'd need to really see it to understand it. I don't think he has run into that before. Perhaps it is also a sign that a slight adjustment would be helpful.

 

He said that when we adjust a lower jaw, other bones will adjust, so it is not necessarily just putting the lower jaw in the place where it belongs in relation to where others are. Of course, if you don't put it more in that ballpark, that won't be good, but we really need to look at reducing symptoms and trusting the other bones to adjust. (And, as you see from the above paragraph, then making adjustments as necessary as time goes on.)

 

Faith--I asked him about why emotional symptoms would improve, and he shared his viewpoint (which he did share when I was there, I had forgotten about it). The trigeminal nerve (a.k.a. crainial nerve number 5, the one directly being compressed in these TS cases, as he sees it), is the nerve that also connects to a netlike material called reticular formation in the brainstem, where 80% of our serotonin is. An impulse through there would release serotonin, and, after a while, you have too little serotonin and you function very poorly emotionally, and overreact, and so on. He said norepinephrine is similarly affected in the locus serilius (sp?). His theory sounds plausible enough to me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I spoke with a local dentist who is a TMJ specialist. He said that teeth actually move around pretty quickly when you introduce appliances, braces, etc. He was concerned about the appliance depressing the posterior teeth so much that the front teeth would eventually "hyper-erupt" over time. He said one might need braces to correct that situation if that happened. So, I'm wondering if that is why Drs. Sims and Stack say braces are eventually needed??? And if that's the case, would you not be back to square 1 when the braces are done? I was originally under the impression that the braces would help with the jaw placement helping it to stay put so that the transgeminal nerve isn't irritated. I'm not trying to be difficult, just prudent before I book a plane and spend $5000 on (yet another) treatment that might or might not help.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

love,

I tend to agree with what you are saying. for me, its too many questions and what happens in the long term. I feel its something more for adults with severe ts.

 

gemi,

have you gone back to Dr. Sims yet? any update?

 

 

ccc and mylittleangel,

how are things going, are your kids still wearing the device? any update?

 

 

Micheal,

have your sores cleared and are you back to wearing the device?

 

 

Vanessa,

any more opinions from your sources re the Dr. Sims paper?

 

 

thanks

Faith

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I emailed Dr. Sims asking him about the concern that posterior teeth might be depressed by the appliance over time and make the front teeth hyper-erupt. He was very nice and replied promptly:

 

"...the appliance is to be worn approximately 6 months to one year and then orthopedics/orthodontics is to be started to bring the teeth into the proper relationship. It is truely necessary. As of yet I have not had any intruded teeth. There will be a posterior open bite because the mandible is lowered. This will always happen and this is the reason for orthodontic treatment. The anterior teeth auto-rotate into position."

 

I'm not sure I understand what this means. The appliance lowers the mandible over time (6 mos. to a year)which causes a posterior open bite and then you fix the open bite with braces, while keeping the mandible lowered? Can anyone expand upon this?

 

 

Also, I'm not sure what he means by anterior teeth auto-rotating into position. Anyone know what this means?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Faith,

 

My sores did eventually clear enough that I put the device back in. I did that while also using a gel on the sore areas to try to avoid sores from happening again. While the sores did still slowly develop (seen by inspection with flashlight at mirror), it never caused pain in those areas while wearing. By the way, the device did not work as well. It worked about 50%, meaning, about half as calmed down as before, and instead of lower the pulse to 70 (from 80), it lowered the pulse to 75.

 

BUUUUUTTTT, what did happen is, by day 6 or 7, the longest I ever had it in all the time except for meals, I was undergoing preparation for endoscopy on Wednesday last week and colonoscopy on Friday last week, and food stopped on Thursday after breakfast, so then it was worn continuously until Friday morning, when the teeth on one side of my mouth were in extreme pain, and I had to take the device out again.

 

The sores I had previously I understand from the perspective of, this is on the right side of my mouth, where I do not have a bottom wisdom tooth (never had one there, does not show up on x-rays), but I do have a top wisdom tooth, and it points somewhat outward (to the right, where my cheek is) rather than straight down. This is what is scraping and causing the sore with the device in, which moves my jaw to the left.

 

But, this pain was on my lower teeth on the left side. I have both wisdom teeth on the left side, and the teeth seem more or less pointed properly. This lower left side, I have had a few cavities maybe 20 years ago, and about 7 years ago had cavitations (infections below teeth) causing pain when biting down, and I treated it with clay and castor oil and the pain went away (although I hear the cavitation is really not eliminated from that, just reduced).

 

So, there are a few ideas I have for what caused all that pain. It did come at a time of the device being continuously in, and perhaps an infection developed, and perhaps the cavitations helped that happen. But, it could be teeth realigning and causing pain too. Or, maybe the device is pushing down and scraping or tapping my teeth and irritating that way? Or, perhaps something happened in the endoscopy that caused this, which happened with the device taken out. Who knows. It hurt so bad, even the gentlest touch with a toothbrush caused stinging pain. This started Friday morning, and the pain slowly went away, and this morning was pain-free and put the device back in. The last couple days, it was just the wisdom tooth on that lower left side that hurt. Too early to really report on how well it is working, I don't feel any great relief is all I can say, but it's a little early I think.

 

I already had made an appointment with the local dentist, referred by Dr. Sims, someone he knows, I believe he was Dr. Sims' professor at one point in time. However, the dentist had just left for Portugal, he is finally due back next week, so I have another week or so before I get to see him. This local dentist is someone used to dealing with TMJ, which is one of the things Dr. Sims would say to look for to help adjust the device. Hopefully his experiences of adjustments of people with TMJ will help him understand what is going on with me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To update my situation a little more, after the pain in my teeth went away (perhaps 4-5 days), I put the device in, and it has been again doing really nice things for my calmness, a little calmer than the previous segment of time where I had it in, but maybe not quite as calm as the original segment of time (but very close, if not the same). My appointment with the local TMJ guy, an ex-professor of Dr. Sims as it would turn out, is tomorrow. I'm kind of looking forward to his reaction, if he thinks any adjustment is appropriate, and what long-term game plan he sees.

 

I'm interested also to hear from the others, hoping they are getting some benefit.

 

My experience shows me that this kind of treatment can certainly matter, although it's difficult now for me to see the long-term game-plan. But, it also shows that it can be complicated. And, as Faith has pointed out, the experience with the other children shows just how much more complicated it can be for children, when all the bones and teeth are growing.

 

Michael

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please, please, please! Someone please update us! Dalit, did you go to Maryland on the 24th?

 

CCC and mylittleangel, how are things?

 

 

Even if it's disappointing news, please let us know......I am almost ready to book a flight to Maryland.

 

 

My little guy has not been wearing the device as I didn't think it was doing anything. Dr. Sims is working with a specialist here who is fabulous. We went to our second appointment and he did a number of tests on my son that showed some results that even Dr. Sims didn't find. The doctor tested for noise in my sons jaw when he opened and closed his mouth. The results were not good. He said he has never seen results like this in a child so young. His left jaw snaps backwards much further then it should. He also took a numner of x-rays and everything supported what Dr. Sims said - the left side has a severe TMJ issue. Now, as for the treatment plan, this is where we are at a stand still. The doctor does not want to do anything just yet. He also said he will not do anything that is irreversible because of the age of my son. He will not do anything to hurt his growth. The good news is that the doctor has invited my son to come to a conference that is going to be lead by the guru of TMJ and the ALF orthodontics. He is going to give my son a free consult, along with many other professionals in the field. This will take place at the end of OCtober. We will then know how to proceed. So, for now, we do nothing and hope that the tics do not get worse. School is starting soon and he is going in to grade 1 - big changes and lots of stress. I hope it is a smooth transition. I will keep everyone posted. I do have to say that Dr. Sims has been absolutely wonderful in following up with me and finding me an amazing doctor in my own city. He follows up with this doctor after my appointments and then calls me. I think he is an amazing man and do not feel like I have been ripped off in any way, even though the device didn't work. I do believe this is going to help my son. I just have to be patient. I have gone the naturopath route for 2 years now and, unfortunately, it has not helped. I do not want to turn to medication so I am choosing to be hopeful that these TMJ specialitsts can help.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

mylittleangel,

just a few questions, if you don't mind. So does this TMJ specialist (is that what he is?) in your area has examined your son and determined that yes, he DOES have TMJ? even tho there are no outward symptoms except for tics? Does he believe that tics are a symtom of TMJ? Did you ask if he has any other patients (children or adult) who have this (TMJ) and present with tics? have they been alleviated with treatment (whatever that wuld be?). Does he believe the premise that Dr. Sims brings forth that tics are the result of the trigeminal nerve being irritated or compromised in some way? Basically, is this doctor on board with what Dr. Sims proposes re the tics?

 

I am really confused as to why the premise of these cranial nerves has not been entertained by others in the neurological field as a cause or aggravator for tics and tourettes, if this is so. Dr. Sims may be on to something, however, I feel a piece is missing here.

 

Faith

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am really confused as to why the premise of these cranial nerves has not been entertained by others in the neurological field as a cause or aggravator for tics and tourettes, if this is so. Dr. Sims may be on to something, however, I feel a piece is missing here.

 

Faith

 

Faith

JMHO but I think it likely has been. Just maybe that others looking into this are not suggesting that this is the *only* reason people with TS tic and have OCD etc. but rather see it more as but another factor to be looked into

 

I still believe this will work for some people because the TMJ possibly IS the root cause of their symptoms

 

for others, where it even may bring some relief because it may also be a factor in their tics, yet it may not be a "cure" because they have more going on than just TMJ, or they may not have TMJ at all.... and so it will not be of help in resolving that which IS at the root of their specific condition

 

I am really pleased for anyone who is benefitting from this approach :) and mylittleangel, also pleased to hear how well Dr Sims is following up for you. Hope the specialist in your area is able to help your child and also that much will be learned from that conference!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry for not writing earlier. We had some turbulent days. We ended up not going to Maryland.

 

As I wrote in my last post, Dr. Stack referred us to Dr. Nordstrom, who is the ALF inventor (I added links to info about it in my last post).

It was very hard to get in touch with him, as he is so busy, and his office told me he has a huge waiting list. We scheduled a phone consult with him, and he was not able to call us as his office appointements continued longer than expected.

 

Since we wanted to take advantage of the vacation, we decided to go ahead and fly to DC, we had appoinments with both Sims and Stack, and had all hotels booked etc. Then, 3 days before we were scheduled to fly, Dr Nordstrom called us. He will be able to see us in October when he comes to LA, and he thinks he will be able to tell if the source of the problem is bone pressure on nerves. So we cancelled the trip (hopefully we'll get some money reimbursed) and went for a close by (less expensive) vacation as a compensation for our dissapointed children.

 

The ALF method balances and encourages correct bone and joint placement, and it does it gently and over time (they compare it to Homeopathy vs regular medicine - encouraging the body to heal itself, instead of pushing it). This means that results will not be as immediate as in Drs. Sims and Stack's method, but i have a feeling that perhaps for children this is a more appropriate approach, gentler and slower. In LA, Nordstrom also works with an Osteopath (anyone has experience with it?). he think that combining treatments works better, helps in diagnosis, and improves results. our appointment with the osteopath is in two weeks.

 

mylittleangel, I think taking your son's case to the convention is wonderful.

 

It seems to me that there is a simple inexpensive scientific experiment that can be conducted. I am trying to run it through people I know in the school for pediatric dentsitry, and maybe you can suggest the same to your contacts. What we really need to know is whether there is a larger precentage of TMJ problems in the tourrete and tic community than in the regular population. All that's needed for preliminary results are a few dozens ticcers who'll agree to take tmj x-rays, and the same for a control group.

 

Dalit

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry for not writing earlier. We had some turbulent days. We ended up not going to Maryland.

 

As I wrote in my last post, Dr. Stack referred us to Dr. Nordstrom, who is the ALF inventor (I added links to info about it in my last post).

It was very hard to get in touch with him, as he is so busy, and his office told me he has a huge waiting list. We scheduled a phone consult with him, and he was not able to call us as his office appointements continued longer than expected.

 

Since we wanted to take advantage of the vacation, we decided to go ahead and fly to DC, we had appoinments with both Sims and Stack, and had all hotels booked etc. Then, 3 days before we were scheduled to fly, Dr Nordstrom called us. He will be able to see us in October when he comes to LA, and he thinks he will be able to tell if the source of the problem is bone pressure on nerves. So we cancelled the trip (hopefully we'll get some money reimbursed) and went for a close by (less expensive) vacation as a compensation for our dissapointed children.

 

The ALF method balances and encourages correct bone and joint placement, and it does it gently and over time (they compare it to Homeopathy vs regular medicine - encouraging the body to heal itself, instead of pushing it). This means that results will not be as immediate as in Drs. Sims and Stack's method, but i have a feeling that perhaps for children this is a more appropriate approach, gentler and slower. In LA, Nordstrom also works with an Osteopath (anyone has experience with it?). he think that combining treatments works better, helps in diagnosis, and improves results. our appointment with the osteopath is in two weeks.

 

mylittleangel, I think taking your son's case to the convention is wonderful.

 

It seems to me that there is a simple inexpensive scientific experiment that can be conducted. I am trying to run it through people I know in the school for pediatric dentsitry, and maybe you can suggest the same to your contacts. What we really need to know is whether there is a larger precentage of TMJ problems in the tourrete and tic community than in the regular population. All that's needed for preliminary results are a few dozens ticcers who'll agree to take tmj x-rays, and the same for a control group.

 

Dalit

 

I do believe that this is part of my sons problem. At this convention (October 2) my son will also be seen by one of the few ALF specialists, along with craniosacral specialists and osteopaths. I am very excited and cautiously optimistic. My wonderful doctor who arranged this for me called me yesterday and said he had been thinking about my son and thought of something he would like to try on him. We are going to see him on Wednesday.

 

As for doind a study on pediatric patients with Tourettes to see if they have TMJ - I will definitely be suggesting that to all the doctors I meet at this conference. I will follow up with you as soon as I have any new information.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...